Punjab School Education Reforms 2026 – Maryam Nawaz Announces AI, Mental Health Training and Lighter Textbooks
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a new set of education reforms for government schools across Punjab. The reforms aim to change the way students learn and make schools more modern, supportive and technology-based. The decisions were discussed in a special education reforms meeting chaired by CM Maryam Nawaz on 24 September 2026. Keep visiting Parho Pakistan for more updates.
Maryam Nawaz Announces AI, Mental Health Training and Lighter Textbooks
The new plans include 25% less textbook burden, QR codes for video lessons, AI education from Class 1 to Class 12, AI labs, mental health training for teachers, online counseling and new ways to deal with student discipline.
25% Less Textbook Burden for Students
One of the main changes is the reduction of the textbook burden by 25%.
The aim is to reduce the amount of material students have to carry and learn. The new approach also aims to move students away from learning only by memorizing lessons and towards better understanding of concepts.
This change will cover areas such as English, Mathematics, Urdu, Social Studies and Early Childhood Education.
QR Codes Will Be Added to Textbooks
The new textbooks will also include QR codes.
Students will be able to scan a QR code and watch a video lesson related to the topic in their book. This will connect normal textbooks with digital learning.
For example, if a student finds a science or mathematics topic difficult, the related video can provide another way to understand the lesson.
AI Education From Class 1 to Class 12
Another major part of the new education plan is Artificial Intelligence (AI).
CM Maryam Nawaz has directed officials to prepare an AI curriculum covering Class 1 to Class 12. The plan also includes developing proper computer and AI laboratories in schools.
This means students will start learning about AI and modern technology from an early stage.
The reforms also focus on improving digital literacy in Punjab’s schools.
Mental Health Training for Teachers
Mental health is also included in the new education reforms.
Punjab plans to start mental health training for teachers for the first time. The purpose is to help teachers better understand the emotional and mental needs of students.
The government has also considered appointing visiting psychologists in every district. Online counseling facilities for students have also been proposed.
Online Counseling for Students
Students in government schools will also be given access to online counseling under the announced plans.
This can give students a way to seek help when they are facing personal, emotional or school-related problems.
The goal is to make student support a part of the school system instead of focusing only on academic results.
Steps Against Physical Punishment
The Punjab government has also agreed in principle to work on legislation to prevent corporal punishment in schools.
CM Maryam Nawaz has stressed the need for more constructive ways to deal with discipline.
Instead of physical punishment, schools may use other methods to help students understand and correct their behavior.
Discipline Corners in Classrooms
One of the ideas discussed in the meeting is the creation of “discipline corners” in classrooms.
These spaces would provide an alternative to physical punishment. The idea is to give students a chance to calm down, reflect on their behavior and improve it through positive discipline.
Saturdays for Teacher Training
Teacher training is another important part of the reforms.
The plan says that Saturdays will be dedicated to teacher training across Punjab. Authors of the new textbooks will also conduct training sessions for teachers.
This can help teachers understand the new books and the new teaching approach before using them in classrooms.
Focus on Primary Education
CM Maryam Nawaz has also called for greater attention to primary education.
The early years of school are important because they help build the basic skills of children. The government wants to strengthen this foundation while also improving digital learning and school facilities.
English Training for 35,000 Teachers
The meeting was also informed that English-language training had already been completed for 35,000 teachers across 31 tehsils in 12 districts.
This is part of the wider effort to improve teacher skills in Punjab’s government schools.
Main Punjab Education Reforms 2026
The announced reforms include:
- 25% reduction in textbook burden
- QR codes in textbooks
- Video lessons through QR codes
- AI education from Class 1 to Class 12
- AI and computer labs
- Mental health training for teachers
- Online counseling for students
- Visiting psychologists in districts
- Steps to prevent corporal punishment
- Discipline corners in classrooms
- Saturday teacher training
- Training by new textbook authors
- More focus on primary education
- Greater focus on digital literacy
Conclusion
The new Punjab school reforms announced under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif cover both classroom learning and student support. The plan brings together lighter textbooks, digital learning, AI education, teacher training and mental health support.
The reforms also include steps to move schools away from physical punishment and towards more positive discipline. The exact rollout of each reform will depend on the government’s further implementation steps and instructions.
