By Abdul Ghani

The Punjab government has spent over Rs103 million on providing internet connectivity to 1,078 public schools under the ongoing education reforms aimed at strengthening the digital learning infrastructure, Wealth Pakistan reports. According to an official document, internet billing worth Rs103.488 million has been allocated to ensure internet connectivity in these schools, enabling students and teachers to access online educational resources and digital learning platforms.

This initiative is part of broader reforms introduced under the ASPIRE program (2022–23 to 2024–25), which focuses on improving school infrastructure, introducing modern technology, and strengthening digital education across public schools. The provision of internet services is expected to play a key role in supporting online teaching, teacher training programs and access to digital content, particularly after the growing reliance on technology in the education sector.

Education experts believe that reliable internet connectivity in schools can significantly enhance distance learning opportunities, enable digital classrooms, and open access to global educational resources, especially in government-run institutions where such facilities were previously limited. The initiative complements other digital education measures implemented under the program, including the establishment of new IT laboratories and installation of smart LED systems in hundreds of schools.

Officials maintain that expanding internet access in schools is essential for bridging the digital divide and improving the quality of education, particularly in an era where technology-driven learning is becoming increasingly important. The progress document indicates that the internet connectivity component has been successfully completed, marking a significant step toward integrating digital tools into Pakistan’s public education system.

Credit: INP-WealthPk