Digital lab for youth opens

State-of-the-art facility will train students in AI and emerging technologies

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, on Wednesday inaugurated a state-of-the-art IT laboratory at the Islamabad Model College for Girls (VI-XII), G-11/1. The launch took place under the Ministry's flagship initiative "Disruptive Education: Transforming Schools into Foundries of Emerging Tech."

The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the government's vision to equip Pakistan's youth with 21st-century digital skills, essential for competing in today's fast-evolving global economy. The new lab will support not only traditional coursework but also advanced training in modern technologies including Python programming, JavaScript, DevOps, Blockchain and Web 3.0, Artificial Intelligence tools, e-commerce fundamentals, and data visualisation techniques.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr Siddiqui said the project reflects the government's firm resolve to bridge the technology gap in public education. "Our goal is to ensure that students in government institutions are not left behind in the digital revolution," he remarked, adding that technology remains the strongest equaliser for Pakistan's youth.

The Minister praised the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), the college administration, and partner organisations such as CMPak, LearnOBots, and the Institute of Space Technology (IST) for their collaborative efforts in making the project a reality. He noted that their partnership underscores the importance of synergy between the public sector, academia, and industry in preparing a future-ready generation.

The Disruptive Education project is already gaining momentum across Islamabad. To date, 30 Type-A labs furnished with desktop computers and 106 Type-B labs equipped with Chromebooks have been established in schools throughout the capital. In addition, a dedicated cohort of 150 Tech Fellows is actively engaged in training and mentoring students in emerging technologies, ensuring that each lab provides meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities.