Punjab approves new school curriculum and directs AI from Grade 1 to 12

Punjab, Pakistan — 24 September 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a revised school curriculum. Radio Pakistan confirms that she also directed the inclusion of artificial intelligence from Classes 1 to 12 and called for AI labs, stronger primary education and improved digital literacy.

WHAT IS CONFIRMED

The revised curriculum has been approved. Dunya News reports that it applies to government schools, reduces the textbook burden by 25%, and adds QR codes in textbooks so pupils can access related video lessons. This is a confirmed provincial education decision.

WHAT IS STILL BEING DEVELOPED

The AI element is a confirmed government directive to prepare and include AI curriculum from Class 1 to Class 12, alongside AI labs. The reporting does not establish that AI lessons are already fully implemented in every grade and every school. Autism & Me therefore labels this as a confirmed directive and planned curriculum work, not a fully rolled-out classroom rule.

OTHER MEASURES

Dunya News also reports that mental-health training for teachers was approved. Visiting psychologists were discussed as a proposal, and work on legislation to end corporal punishment was agreed. Those points should not be presented as existing rules.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR INCLUSIVE LEARNING

A lighter textbook load and more than one way to access lesson material can support flexible teaching. Whether the change is genuinely accessible will depend on implementation, including captioned or transcribed video, offline alternatives, device access and teacher support.

SOURCES

Radio Pakistan: https://radio.gov.pk/24-09-2026/cm-maryam-approves-new-curriculum-for-schools

Dunya News: https://www.dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/974429-punjab-approves-new-curriculum-for-govt-schools-cuts-textbook-burden-