Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a major package of education reforms to improve college education across the province. The steps include better transport, more scholarships, and modern facilities for students.
During a special meeting in Lahore on April 17, 2026, the CM gave the green light to electric bus services for college students. These eco-friendly buses will provide safe and affordable transport, making it easier for young people to attend classes every day.
In a first-of-its-kind move, 36 commerce colleges in 29 districts will now link with 19 public universities. This change will allow students to study 14 different BS degree programmes in fields like business, accounting, finance, IT, and e-commerce. The government also approved setting up modern IT laboratories in 166 government colleges to help students learn digital skills.
Over 100,000 students will get free Google certification courses in high-demand areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and business intelligence. Normally, these courses cost between $400 and $1,000, but Punjab students will receive them at no cost.
The Honhaar Scholarship Programme has been expanded, with nearly 63,000 students set to receive stipends in one go. Special needs students and minority students will also get laptops on an open merit in the second phase of the laptop scheme. Officials said 98 percent of students are happy with the current laptop programme.
Recent Grade 8 assessment results showed an 88 percent pass rate, with girls securing the top three positions and outperforming boys overall. CM Maryam Nawaz said these reforms aim to standardise education and prepare Punjab’s youth for a better future.
