ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has moved to introduce artificial intelligence and advanced digital technology in the education sector, with Daanish School Kuri in Islamabad selected as the first pilot campus for an AI-based personalised learning programme under the Prime Minister’s vision.
The Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training and the Daanish Schools Authority are jointly working on a system aimed at providing education according to each student’s needs, abilities and progress.
PDA Chairperson Dr Sohail Munir chaired a high-level meeting at the Authority’s headquarters on November 4 with officials from the education ministry and Daanish Schools to discuss the proposed programme. The meeting focused on introducing an AI-based curriculum and an adaptive learning system capable of adjusting lessons in line with students’ learning requirements.
Under the proposed arrangement, the education ministry and the Daanish Schools Authority will lead the project, while the PDA will provide technical support, guidance on digital systems and coordination assistance.
Officials also reviewed international examples of technology-based education, including Singapore’s education system. The meeting considered the formation of joint working groups to prepare plans for integrating AI into the curriculum, introducing new education technology and improving digital facilities in schools.
On November 10, Dr Munir led a delegation to Daanish School Kuri to review its facilities and assess the campus’s readiness for the new programme.
The delegation inspected classrooms, laboratories, digital infrastructure and technology-based learning facilities. It also reviewed teacher training plans, including a proposed Training of Trainers programme, as well as ongoing activities related to artificial intelligence and robotics.
Discussions during the visit covered AI-supported personalised learning, digital Learning Management Systems, smart classrooms, teacher development through technology, future skills and innovation laboratories.
A key feature of the proposed programme is the creation of detailed digital profiles for every student. These profiles would go beyond examination results and academic performance, helping schools understand each student’s interests, abilities, personal development and well-being.
The objective is to enable teachers to understand how individual students learn and provide support according to their strengths and needs.
Dr Munir said the PDA was committed to supporting the national initiative by bringing education institutions and technology experts together. He said modern technology could create better learning opportunities for students from underserved and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Daanish Schools are a flagship initiative of the Prime Minister aimed at providing quality education to talented students from less privileged families. The new programme is expected to explore how digital technology can reduce the education gap and help these students compete with children studying in leading education systems around the world.
The delegation included PDA officials Dr Henna Karamat, Muhammad Salman Iqbal and Sara Obaid Ul Islam, Tabadlab Director Shahab Siddiqi, Education Ministry Deputy Secretary Shah Jehan and Daanish School Kuri Principal Asghar Awan.
The November 4 meeting was also attended by PDA Chief of Staff Sophia Hasnain and Director Curriculum Dr Tabassum.
The initiative is part of the PDA’s wider role under the National Digital Master Plan, which aims to use technology and cooperation among institutions to improve different sectors.
The PDA aims to help develop a model of technology-based education that can later be used in other schools across Pakistan. The plan is intended to improve student learning, strengthen teachers’ skills and provide more opportunities to children across the country.
