The Punjab government has unveiled a major educational reform initiative announcing plans to outsource approximately 6,000 government schools.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced at a ceremony in Lahore, asserting that this move is aimed at addressing the ongoing challenges within the education sector.
In her address, Punjab CM stresses her commitment to understanding the real issues faced by the public.
She slated misinformation propagated by certain groups, clarifying that the decision to outsource the schools is not influenced by contractors or external pressures.
Sharif specifically mentioned encountering misleading signs claiming that "contractors have taken over the schools."
“The so-called 'mafia' is spreading falsehoods about the outsourcing initiative,” Sharif stated.
“We are committed to ensuring that the schools are managed effectively and that the public-private partnership model will address the sector’s problems. We are not swayed by those who attempt to obstruct progress.”
Punjab CM Maryam outlined that the outsourcing will be executed in phases, with 5,800 schools set for the first phase. In total, the government plans to outsource 14,000 schools.
Despite the privatisation, Maryam assured that the Punjab government will retain full oversight and monitoring responsibilities for these institutions.
Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction with the response to the outsourcing plan, noting that reputable organizations, including NGOs Akhuwat and Muslim Hands, have shown strong interest in managing the schools.
She highlighted that these groups, along with other successful entities like those led by Amjad Saqib, are expected to leverage their expertise to enhance school facilities and provide better educational experiences for students.
