PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi has launched the Insaf Female Education Card programme, calling it a major step toward expanding access to education for young women across the province.
Speaking at the launch ceremony at Frontier Women College, Mr Afridi said the initiative would provide free higher education to more than 55,000 female and orphan students at the intermediate level in public colleges. He said the scheme aims to promote gender equality and educational empowerment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The chief minister said women’s education was a top priority of his government, adding that educated women are the foundation of a strong, prosperous, and enlightened society. “This vision reflects the core philosophy of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s policies,” he said.
He also announced that orphan students who passed the recent MDCAT would be offered free higher education, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting talented students from low-income families. “No capable student should be deprived of education due to financial constraints,” he said.
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Mr Afridi described the Insaf Female Education Card as a symbol of gender equality, social justice, and women’s right to education, saying it marks the beginning of a social transformation that will make Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a model province for women’s higher education. “This card represents hope, confidence, and dignity for the daughters of our province,” he added.
Highlighting ongoing education sector reforms, he said the PTI-led government had introduced transparent, merit-based, and result-oriented measures that would strengthen the province’s education system in the long run.
He stressed that ensuring equal opportunities for women in every field was central to his government’s vision, noting that educated women play a vital role in both family and national development.
The chief minister praised the achievements of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s female students and promised continued government support for their academic and professional growth.
He directed officials to launch an internship programme for bachelor’s and master’s degree holders to give graduates practical experience and improve job prospects.
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Mr Afridi said additional funds would be allocated in the next provincial budget to promote women’s education and ensure their equal participation in all areas of development.
Meanwhile, the chief minister also announced the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) courses in public schools from grade six onwards. He directed the elementary and secondary education department to take urgent steps and provide the necessary resources to begin AI education across the province.
Chairing a meeting at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Mr Afridi said AI had become a key part of modern economies, education, healthcare, and governance systems. He said that teaching AI to children and youth would prepare them to face future challenges with confidence.
The chief minister also ordered the creation of new teaching posts to address teacher shortages in merged tribal districts and instructed education officials to conduct surprise visits to schools to check attendance and performance. He warned that negligent officers would face strict action, including removal from their posts.
He further directed that all government school textbooks should be printed only through the government printing press, and ordered an inquiry into the tendering process for printing and stationery procurement by subordinate institutions, including education boards.
