Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has initiated a new phase in its education system with the approval of Pakistan’s first public sector virtual school, supported by an artificial intelligence powered teacher aimed at improving access to quality learning across the province. The decision was approved by Chief Minister Sohail Afridi during a meeting of the elementary and secondary education department, where officials presented plans to modernise the education sector through technology driven solutions. The initiative is designed to extend educational opportunities to a broader segment of the population, including overseas Pakistanis and children who are currently out of school, both of whom will be granted the status of regular students under the new system.
The virtual school model will operate alongside the introduction of an AI Teacher programme, which is expected to deliver instruction across multiple core subjects including English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. According to officials, the platform will be accessible around the clock and will support multiple languages including Urdu, English, and Pashto, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to engage with the content more effectively. A central digital teaching studio has already been established to facilitate live interactive classes as well as recorded lectures, providing flexibility for students who may not be able to attend in real time. The initiative is part of a broader plan to integrate artificial intelligence into classrooms and enhance the overall quality of teaching while also reducing the burden on educators.
The project has already seen early implementation through a pilot phase in dozens of schools across the province, with further expansion planned in the coming months. Officials indicated that 46 schools have been included in the initial rollout, with additional institutions expected to transition to the virtual model under upcoming development programmes. The initiative carries a defined budget allocation and includes the establishment of a Tele Education Centre to support infrastructure and content delivery. Authorities have also approved the formation of an AI Education Authority to oversee the execution and future expansion of the programme, with directions issued to complete the necessary groundwork for its operational launch.
The introduction of virtual schooling and AI based teaching reflects a wider policy shift toward addressing long standing challenges in access to education, particularly in remote and underserved regions where physical infrastructure remains limited. By reducing reliance on traditional classroom settings and enabling digital delivery of lessons, the government aims to improve educational outreach and ensure continuity of learning for students who may otherwise face barriers to enrollment. Officials view the initiative as a necessary step in aligning the province’s education system with evolving technological trends, while also creating opportunities for more inclusive and flexible learning environments that can adapt to the needs of a growing student population.
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