Punjab has completed its Artificial Intelligence syllabus for students from Grades 1 to 5, but the curriculum is still awaiting official approval before it can be formally introduced in schools. The pending notification has also delayed the printing of AI textbooks, as publishers cannot begin production until the syllabus receives final approval. Publishers have urged the provincial authorities to issue the notification soon, noting that only around six months remain before the start of the new academic session and that additional delays could affect the availability of textbooks for students and schools.
The provincial government has already announced plans to make Artificial Intelligence a compulsory part of the curriculum for students up to Grade 5. Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat previously announced the policy as part of the government’s efforts to introduce AI education at the primary school level. The completed syllabus is intended to establish the content that students will study during their early years of education, but implementation cannot move forward until the required administrative approval is granted. The Education Department has clarified that the curriculum will be released for printing after it receives approval from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The delay has placed textbook publishers in a waiting position, as the printing process depends on the final version of the officially notified curriculum. Publishers have asked the government to complete the approval process in time so that textbooks can be prepared and distributed before the new academic year begins. The concern is primarily related to the production schedule, since textbooks require time for printing and distribution once the syllabus is formally approved. The issue also highlights the importance of completing the administrative process before the planned introduction of compulsory AI education in primary classes.
Punjab has been working on introducing Artificial Intelligence education at an early stage, with the curriculum development process handled through the provincial education system. Earlier reports indicated that the AI curriculum had been developed and presented to education authorities for review before being moved toward final approval. The province’s plan is intended to introduce students to technology related concepts during their primary education, while the current delay remains focused on formal notification and textbook preparation. Once the Chief Minister’s approval is obtained, the Education Department is expected to proceed with the printing process, allowing schools to prepare for the introduction of the new AI curriculum in the upcoming academic session.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
