Engagements & Public Gallery

Chaired a comprehensive review meeting at PECTA Islamabad with CEOs of all district education authorities of Rawalpindi division. Districts presented detailed briefings on academic performance, missing facilities, ADP schemes, and enrollment progress. The Minister commended divisional leadership and directed action on underperforming areas.

Formally inaugurated the Admission Campaign 2026 alongside MPA Ch. Tariq Subahani at Government High School Dalowali. The campaign aims to increase enrollment in government schools across Punjab for the new academic year — part of the broader 100% enrollment goal by 2030.

Announced the reopening of all educational institutions from 1 April 2026 after a brief closure due to the fuel crisis. Introduced a structured 5-day school week policy — rejecting proposals for 3 or 4 day schedules. Ruled out hybrid/online options after reopening and urged students to refocus and recover academic losses. Private institutions were also bound by the new government notification.

Announced that schools, colleges and universities are permitted to take online classes on Fridays — balancing academic continuity with the transitional period following reopening. The announcement was made via his official X (Twitter) account and garnered 73.8K+ views, reflecting strong public attention to his policy decisions.

Managed a three-week closure of educational institutions (March 10–31, 2026) triggered by Punjab's fuel crisis. During the closure, oversaw the continued delivery of teaching through online platforms — ensuring no academic dead period. Successfully transitioned all institutions back to full in-person operations on April 1 with minimum disruption.

Met with Prof. Dr. Zaib-un-nisa Hussain, VC of UHE Lahore to deliberate on educational reforms and institutional development focused on female students. Discussed quality improvement, faculty development, and strengthening women-centred academic programs across Punjab's universities.

Enrolled his son Rana Muhammad Yousaf Hayat as the first student at the Nawaz Sharif Centre of Excellence — an institution founded by Mian Nawaz Sharif in 1988. This powerful symbolic gesture reinforces his personal commitment to government-run education, building on his earlier decision to enroll his son in a Kasur government school alongside children of school staff.

Proper disciplinary action has been taken against the negligent staff of Government Girls Elementary School Gangriyalah, Gujjar Khan (Rawalpindi Division). Show Cause-cum-Personal Hearing notices were issued to the school incharge, and disciplinary proceedings have been recommended against the Chowkidar. It will be ensured that such negligence does not recur — part of the Ministry's zero-tolerance approach to staff accountability across Punjab's government schools.

Led a dedicated meeting for Kohsar University Murree with a focus on making schools and institutions more modern and effective. Several important decisions were taken regarding staff promotions — ensuring merit-based career progression and reinforcing the Ministry's commitment to a motivated, qualified academic workforce in hill-station institutions.

Oversaw strict implementation of anti-cheating measures across Punjab's public examination halls. AI-based surveillance and monitoring systems were deployed in examination centres — reflecting the Ministry's commitment to fair, merit-based assessments and a future-ready, transparent education system that rewards genuine academic effort.

Chaired the Meeting of the Search Committee for the Appointment of Independent Chairmen of Boards. A comprehensive review of all professional competencies — including IT skills — was conducted in candidate interviews. The committee resolved to ensure full merit and transparency throughout the selection process, setting a new standard for institutional governance in Punjab's education sector.

From AI-based exam systems to 40 million+ milk packs distributed in schools — Punjab is simultaneously transforming both learning quality and student well-being. Punjab's shift to AI-based assessments reflects a commitment to fairness, efficiency, and a future-ready education system. The Chief Minister's Milk Programme, running in parallel, addresses student nutrition to improve attendance and concentration.

Education has emerged as the 2nd most improved sector in Punjab — reflecting growing public confidence in the reforms initiated under the Ministry. Under the Chief Minister's leadership, health and education remain the top two priorities of the Punjab government, and the measurable improvement in public perception is a direct result of on-ground delivery: smart schools, ghost enrollment elimination, scholarships, and digital learning.

Held open public engagement sessions across PP-183 Kasur-IX and surrounding areas — listening directly to citizens, teachers, parents, and students about education challenges, policy feedback, and local needs. These grassroots sessions are a hallmark of Rana Sikandar Hayat's governance style: going to the people rather than waiting for them to come to him.

A productive diplomatic meeting held with Her Excellency focused on strengthening international educational collaboration and exploring opportunities for student exchange, faculty development, and institutional partnerships. Such engagements build Punjab's global academic footprint and open new avenues for students to benefit from world-class international academic networks.

On May 31, 2025, Rana Sikandar Hayat and Secretary Khalid Nazir Wattoo inaugurated Matric Tech Labs for Fashion Designing & Computer Science at Government Girls Model High School, Ferozepur. Part of a broader initiative establishing 24 Tech Labs across the region — funded through philanthropist support — these Matric-Tech IT labs standardize IT infrastructure in public schools, equipping students with hands-on digital skills for a modern economy.

Met with a Korean delegation at University of Home Economics Lahore to discuss fostering collaboration with Pakistani pre-engineering colleges. Under this initiative, students who completed a free Korean language course were sent to South Korea on government scholarships — a direct bridge between Pakistani youth and South Korean technical institutions.

Issued a comprehensive performance report declaring 2025 another milestone year for Punjab education. Key outcomes: ~2 million ghost enrollments eliminated; 26,000 teachers rationalized; historic curriculum reforms; e-marking introduced in examination boards; 450 college principals appointed on merit; permanent vice chancellors appointed in 29 universities; 10,000 laptops announced for private school students; STEM clubs established in all high and higher secondary schools.

Organized a strategic meeting at PHEC alongside Chairman Dr. Farrukh Naveed (also Secretary of HED) to deliberate on significant initiatives advancing Punjab's higher education landscape. The session covered university governance, quality standards, faculty development, and plans for expanding access to higher education in rural Punjab.

Launched a pilot project for EdTech-based alternative schools targeting out-of-school children, with plans to expand province-wide. These schools provide digital-first learning environments for children who cannot attend traditional schools due to economic or social barriers — marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in Punjab's history.

In a deeply personal and nationally resonant gesture of confidence in Punjab's government education system, Minister Hayat enrolled his own son in a government school in Kasur — alongside children of teachers and naib qasids. "I am proud that my son studies alongside the children of our Naib Qasids and teachers," he stated publicly. Widely covered by Express Tribune, ARY News, and leading national media.

Alhamdulillah — Government College University (GCU) Lahore moved 50 positions up in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Rankings, now ranked 301st in Asia, along with a massive improvement in research quality. This milestone is a testament to the Ministry's focus on academic excellence, faculty development, and institutional research culture under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

The Punjab Education Sector Plan (PESP) 2025–2030, spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to revolutionize the province's educational landscape through a whole-system reform approach. Key initiatives span enrollment, teacher quality, digital infrastructure, gender equity, and higher education governance across all 36 districts of Punjab — a comprehensive blueprint for transformative and sustainable change.

Inaugurated the first batch of modernized school libraries across Punjab, transforming them from dusty storage spaces into vibrant, student-centered learning hubs equipped with digital catalogs, contemporary literature, and engaging reading corners. The campaign aims to cultivate a culture of reading and critical thinking among young learners — recognizing that well-stocked, welcoming libraries are essential to developing 21st-century minds.

Led an intensive, multi-district roadshow campaign to boost girls' enrollment in Punjab's government schools. Through community engagement, awareness workshops with parents and community leaders, and addressing structural barriers — separate facilities, female teachers, conditional cash transfers — the initiative achieved a landmark 45% growth in girls' enrollment. This represents a transformative step toward gender parity in education and fulfilling the vision that education is every child's right, regardless of gender.

Expanded the government school meal program to provide nutritious, balanced meals to over 75,000 students daily across Punjab's poorest districts. Well-nourished students attend school more regularly, concentrate better in classes, and achieve higher academic outcomes. This initiative directly addresses malnutrition as a barrier to learning — ensuring that economic hardship does not prevent any child from accessing nutrition and education simultaneously.

Inaugurated a network of over 500 community-based learning centers in remote rural and urban underserved areas of Punjab. These centers provide evening and weekend classes for out-of-school children, adult literacy programs, and vocational training — extending educational opportunity beyond school buildings and ensuring no child or adult is left behind. Centers serve as focal points for community empowerment and intergenerational learning.

Presided over the inauguration (iftitah) of the Mega Road Pattoki — a landmark infrastructure development in Tehsil Pattoki, PP-183 Kasur-IX constituency. This long-awaited road project directly benefits the residents of Pattoki and surrounding areas by improving connectivity, reducing commute time, and boosting the local economy. This development reflects Rana Sikandar Hayat's commitment to holistic constituency progress — ensuring that infrastructure and public service reforms go hand in hand in serving the people of Kasur District.

Launched the Annual Teachers Recognition Program honoring educators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, innovation, and impact in their classrooms. The program celebrates excellence across categories: best pedagogy, innovative teaching methods, teacher-student mentorship, and community engagement. Recognition includes awards, financial incentives, and opportunities for professional development — reinforcing the message that great teachers are the foundation of great schools.

Inaugurated AI-powered Milk Schools initiative across select Punjab schools, introducing cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools to support teaching and personalized learning. AI tutoring systems help identify student learning gaps, suggest personalized interventions, and enable teachers to tailor instruction to individual needs. This partnership demonstrates Punjab's commitment to adopting globally-proven EdTech innovations to bridge learning outcomes gaps.

Presided over the CM Advisory Committee for Education, receiving comprehensive 100-day performance briefings from School Education, Higher Education, Special Education, and Non-Formal Education Secretaries. Announced historic milestones: student council elections held for the first time; cheating mafia network dismantled; record 1.1 million enrollment in a single year; e-transfer policy introduced for the first time; technical courses launched in 100+ schools.

Signed a landmark MOU with Google in Islamabad, introducing Google Gemini AI tools and Google CS First coding certification program to Punjab's government schools. The program provides cloud IDs and coding skills to 50,000 students and certifies 1,000 teachers with Google L1 credentials — valid globally for five years. This partnership was later praised by the World Bank as a model for EdTech adoption in developing regions.

Launched the comprehensive Honhaar Scholarship initiative providing financial support and laptops to deserving students across Punjab's public universities. The program includes specialized provisions for UVAS Lahore and multiple institutions across the province. Aimed at ensuring merit receives reward regardless of economic background — with 100,000+ eventual beneficiaries planned.

Visited PEF head office to review progress and initiatives of the foundation. Managing Director Shahid Farid briefed on 2.6 million students benefiting from free quality education across 7,000+ partner schools. Minister Hayat pledged to expand PEF's scope and explore increased collaboration to strengthen outcomes for underprivileged children across Punjab.

Presented the 2024 performance report declaring it a transformative year. Highlights: textbook printing cost cut from Rs. 14 billion to Rs. 6 billion; security cameras installed in exam centres; "booti mafia" (cheating networks) dismantled; tech education, AI courses and Google for Education launched; smart classrooms deployed; STEM labs expanded; teacher training overhauled. "In 10 months we outpaced five years of the previous government's work," he stated.

Launched comprehensive teacher training programs covering modern pedagogy, technology integration, and student-centric approaches — impacting over 100,000 educators. Simultaneously introduced merit-based hiring reforms to ensure quality teachers enter Punjab's public school system. Also announced e-transfer policy for teachers, ending arbitrary postings and ensuring transparency in the service structure.

Led the expansion of STEM clubs and dedicated science labs in high and higher secondary schools across all 36 districts of Punjab. Aimed at strengthening hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — and preparing Punjab's youth for the demands of a knowledge economy. By 2025, STEM clubs were established in every single high and higher secondary school in the province.

The Google Gemini / Google Read Along AI literacy initiative was recognized and praised by the World Bank as a model for educational technology adoption in developing regions. This international recognition highlighted Punjab under Rana Sikandar Hayat's leadership as a pioneer in integrating artificial intelligence into public school systems at scale.

Following a Korean language initiative at UHE Lahore, students who completed the free Korean language course were sent to South Korea on government scholarships to study at Korean technical institutions. This initiative directly connected Pakistani youth to South Korea's thriving technology and vocational sectors.

Through the Google partnership, 50,000 students received cloud IDs and coding certifications. 1,000 teachers received Google L1 certification, valid globally for five years — enabling them to teach and be employed internationally. This marked the first time a Pakistani provincial government achieved this scale of Google for Education integration in public schools.

Selected by the US State Department for the prestigious International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) — a program for emerging global leaders in governance and public policy. The program exposed him to evidence-based governance frameworks, modern public school administration, and policy reform models that later shaped his approach as Education Minister.