The Punjab government has announced a significant educational reform plan involving the outsourcing of approximately 6,000 government schools.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif revealed the initiative at a ceremony in Lahore, emphasizing that it aims to address persistent issues within the education sector.
In her speech, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif addressed the misinformation being spread by certain groups, clarifying that the decision is not driven by contractor interests or external influences.
She criticized misleading claims that suggested “contractors have taken over the schools,” labeling these assertions as falsehoods propagated by what she referred to as a “mafia” against the initiative.
The outsourcing plan will be implemented in phases, with the first phase involving 5,800 schools. The overall plan includes outsourcing a total of 14,000 schools.
Despite the shift towards privatization, the Punjab government will maintain full oversight and monitoring of these institutions.
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her satisfaction with the positive response to the plan, noting that reputable organizations such as Akhuwat and Muslim Hands, as well as successful entities led by figures like Amjad Saqib, have shown keen interest in managing the schools.
She highlighted that these groups are expected to utilize their expertise to improve school facilities and enhance the educational experience for students.