PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi on Tuesday launched the provincial government’s Insaf Female Education Card initiative, saying it is a transformative programme aimed at expanding access of young women to education across the province.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony at the Frontier Women College here, the chief minister said the scheme would provide free higher education to over 55,000 female and orphan students at the intermediate level in public sector colleges, marking a major stride toward gender equality and educational empowerment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He said the initiative was a vital step for empowering women through education, which was one of the foremost priorities of his government, according to an official statement.

“Educated women build the foundation of a strong, prosperous and enlightened society. This vision reflects the core philosophy of [the ruling] Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s policies,” he said.

CM says educated women build foundation of strong, enlightened society

The chief minister also announced free higher education for orphan students who have passed the recent MDCAT, saying the government is committed to supporting underprivileged yet talented youth.

He said that no capable student should be deprived of education due to financial constraints, and that the provincial government was taking comprehensive and sustainable measures to ensure equal educational opportunities for all.

Mr Afridi said the Insaf Female Education Card was a symbol of gender equality, social justice and women’s right to education.

He added that it was not just an educational initiative but the beginning of a social transformation that would position Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a model province for promoting women’s higher education.

“This card represents hope, confidence and dignity for the daughters of our province,” he said.

Highlighting ongoing reforms in the education sector, the chief minister stated that the PTI-led government had introduced transparent, merit-based and result-oriented changes whose long-term impact would strengthen the province’s education system.

He said that ensuring equal opportunities for women in every field of life was central to his government’s vision, as educated women not only contributed to their families but also played a pivotal role in national development.

Mr Afridi lauded the achievements of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s female students, noting their growing excellence across diverse fields. He promised continued government support for their academic and professional growth.

He directed authorities to launch an internship programme for bachelor’s and master’s degree holders without delay to provide young graduates with practical training and improved employment opportunities.

“Additional funds will be allocated in the next provincial budget to promote women’s education and ensure their equitable participation in all spheres of development,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chief minister announced the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) courses in public sector schools across the province starting from grade six onward.

He directed the elementary and secondary education department to take immediate steps and ensure the provision of necessary resources on an emergency basis to implement this initiative, according to an official statement.

Presiding over a meeting of the elementary and secondary education department at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat here, the chief minister said that artificial intelligence had become a central component of modern economies, education, healthcare and governance systems.

He said imparting AI education to children and youth would prepare them to meet future challenges with confidence and competence. The chief minister also directed the creation of new teaching positions to address the shortage of teachers in the merged tribal districts.

He said that the provincial government was fully committed to utilising all available resources to strengthen the education sector.

“To ensure accountability and improved outcomes, the minister for education and senior officials of the department should conduct surprise visits to government schools to review attendance and performance. Negligent officials will face strict action, including removal from their posts,” he warned.

The chief minister said that the printing and publication of textbooks for government schools should be carried out only through the government’s printing press.

He ordered an inquiry into the tendering process related to printing and stationery procurement conducted by subordinate institutions, including education boards.

Published in Dawn, November 12th, 2025