MARDAN – Provincial Minister for Education Faisal Khan Tarakai announced that the government is implementing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa education reforms to transform the sector and uplift talented students. He shared these remarks during a ceremony held at the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Mardan (BISEM), organized under the “Sturi Da Pakhtunkhwa” program.
Notably, the event brought together Chairman Prof. Jahanzeb Khan Toru, MPA Abdul Salam Afridi, board officials, education officers from Mardan and Swabi, students, parents, and media representatives.
During his address, Faisal Khan Tarakai emphasized that the government awarded Rs. 4.5 crore to 46 top-performing matriculation students from Mardan Board. Moreover, Rs. 500 million is being spent across the province on this scholarship initiative. In addition, ETEA awards 506 scholarships annually, costing Rs. 400 million. Likewise, under the Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Scholarship Program, 7,000 students benefit each year, with 49,000 recipients to date.
Furthermore, the girls’ stipend increased from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000, thereby benefiting 550,000 girls in settled districts. Similarly, merged areas are receiving comparable support, ensuring equitable access to education.
Importantly, the Minister highlighted that the provincial government allocated Rs. 364 billion for education, which represents 21% of the total budget. With donor support and additional contributions, the total investment now reaches Rs. 450 billion—significantly higher than the Rs. 40–50 billion allocated by previous administrations.
As part of the broader Khyber Pakhtunkhwa education reforms, the government is recruiting 17,000 teachers purely on merit. Additionally, board officials—including chairmen and controllers—were appointed through a transparent process. As a result, recent matric and intermediate exams proceeded without irregularities, showcasing the success of these reforms.
The government has launched a 30-year master plan to enroll 4.9 million out-of-school children. To support this goal, several initiatives are underway. Rented buildings will help expand classroom space. Second shift schools will accommodate more students. IT labs are being set up to improve digital learning. Sports tournaments will promote physical development. Digital studios will modernize teaching methods. Together, these efforts aim to improve access and raise the quality of education across the province.
Moreover, reforms include updates to the Textbook Board, expansion of non-formal education, and the launch of the Education Card Scheme. This initiative aims to provide scholarships, free books, and essential facilities, thereby strengthening the educational foundation for students across the province.
Meanwhile, MPA Abdul Salam Afridi praised the merit-based recruitment and school development efforts. In his remarks, Professor Jahanzeb commended the e-board system, on-screen marking, and strict policies that enabled students from Mardan, Swabi, and Nowshera to secure top positions without paper leaks or cheating.
Toward the end of the ceremony, the Minister inaugurated a Rs. 20 million solarization project for the Mardan Board. Finally, the event concluded with the distribution of cheques to the top 46 students, celebrating their hard-earned achievements and reinforcing the province’s commitment to educational excellence.
