In a landmark move toward digital governance and education reform, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has made the use of artificial intelligence mandatory in Punjab’s schools, calling AI essential for modern policymaking and reforms.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that AI will now be compulsory in Punjab schools, marking a first in the province’s education system. She said digital technology has the power to change how institutions think and work, adding that responsible AI use can bring lasting positive change.

Google Tech Valley Advisory Board

The Punjab government has decided to establish a Google Tech Valley Digital Transformation Advisory Board. The board will guide Punjab on digital reforms, governance innovation, and the integration of advanced technologies across departments.

Punjab is stepping confidently into the future. Under the personal leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the province is embracing AI and digital innovation as the backbone of modern governance. By chairing the Google AI Gemini Academy training for Cabinet members and senior… pic.twitter.com/VyX9Peg2F4
— PMLN (@pmln_org) January 27, 2026

For the first time in Pakistan’s history, ministers received formal AI training under the leadership of the chief minister herself. Maryam Nawaz and cabinet members attended the official workshop titled “Empowering Punjab with AI”, which was formally inaugurated in Lahore.

AI in governance and policymaking

Punjab cabinet members were briefed on the beneficial use of Google Gemini and other AI tools. They were informed about AI’s role in governance, policy framework formation, operational policymaking, departmental reforms, and sectoral transformation.

Discussions also covered policy summary analysis, decision-making support, and the use of Google tools for administrative efficiency.

Google for Education experts

Experts from Google for Education delivered detailed briefings during the workshop. They shared insights into AI-powered learning systems and digital transformation models used globally.

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has made the use of AI mandatory in Punjab’s schools, while approving the formation of a Google Tech Valley Digital Transformation Advisory Board to future-proof education and governance. This will prove to be a revolutionary step in Punjab's… pic.twitter.com/yLEnjfAVws
— Sania Ashiq (@SaniaaAshiq) January 27, 2026

Officials revealed that more than 300,000 student IDs have been created under Punjab’s School Education Department. The Punjab Education Foundation has trained 200,000 students and 2,000 teachers as part of digital capacity-building efforts.

Additionally, 3,000 teachers are receiving master training on the Google for Education platform.

Scholarships and digital journalism

To promote digital journalism, the Punjab government has announced 1,000 scholarships for 10 organizations. The initiative aims to strengthen responsible digital media and technology-driven reporting.

During the visit, the Google team paid tribute to Lahore, describing it as a rare blend of history and culture. They remarked that few cities in the world match Lahore’s unique cultural richness.

CM stresses responsible AI use

Addressing the workshop, Maryam Nawaz said AI support is indispensable for reforms and policymaking. She emphasized that ethical and responsible use of AI tools can significantly improve governance and service delivery in Punjab.