Punjab’s changing education system

PUNJAB’S education landscape has long balanced ambition with structural constraints, where reform efforts have often struggled to translate into classroom realities. In this evolving context, Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s educational vision, particularly through the Public Schools Reorganization Programme (PSRP) and the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF), reflects a pragmatic effort to build on existing frameworks while enhancing access and quality. Rather than replacing previous systems, the current approach seeks refinement and expansion. The PSRP, which assigns underperforming public schools to private management, has shown potential in improving efficiency, accountability and school functionality. While de-bates continue, the emphasis on ensuring that no child is excluded from education due to poverty or geography aligns closely with Punjab’s pressing needs, where millions remain out of school. PEF plays a central role in this strategy. By supporting public-private partnerships and subsidizing education for low-income students, it has expanded access to schooling across under-served areas. The model’s growing reach reflects a commitment to inclusivity, while its fo-cus on performance benchmarks introduces a culture of evaluation and measurable progress. This data-driven approach enables policymakers to track improvements and identify gaps, contributing to more informed decision-making. Encouragingly, recent policy direction also acknowledges that education extends beyond test scores. Greater attention is being given to teacher training, curriculum relevance, infra-structure development and modern teaching methods. This broader perspective strengthens the foundation for long-term educational improvement, ensuring that quality accompanies access. Importantly, education reforms are being viewed within their social context. In many rural and low-income urban communities, schools represent more than learning spaces—they are pathways to social mobility. Expanding programmes un