Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting and Barrister Daniel Chowdhury on Wednesday outlined a comprehensive set of education reforms in his constituency NA-57, as policymakers and development partners gathered in the federal capital to hold a roundtable on reducing school dropout through innovative and comprehensive strategies.
Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – April 1, 2026) Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting and Advocate Daniel Chowdhury on Wednesday outlined a comprehensive set of… education Reforms in his constituency NA-57, where policymakers and development partners gathered in Federalism Capital for a roundtable on retrenchment school dropouts through innovative and comprehensive strategies.
Speaking as the chief guest at the event titled “Inspiring Education: Investing in Creative Strategies to Reduce Dropout”, hosted by Cities for Children with support from the Malala Fund, Daniel Chowdhury, along with Shaista Parvez Malik and Parliamentary Secretary for Education Rabia Naseem Farooqui, explained how the government is addressing access, retention and quality gaps through targeted interventions.
The discussion brought together representatives from the government, the non-formal education sector, BISP and the Japan International Cooperation Agency to examine the reasons why children leave school, and take practical steps that can keep them enrolled and learning.
Mr Chaudhary said NA-57’s major enrollment drive aims to bring 39,000 out-of-school children into classrooms during the 2026 financial year, with 5,000 children already enrolled within weeks.
He added that Rs 205 million has been allocated to develop school infrastructure, while technology integration has accelerated with the establishment of 33 schools. Matric Technology schools, 29 computer laboratories, and modernization of science and information technology laboratories in hundreds of institutions.
He highlighted efforts to improve learning outcomes and pointed to capacity building of teachers under the East English Training initiative noted Rawalpindi The department’s strong performance in the regional STEAM competition is evidence of progress in hands-on, skills-based education.
The parliamentary secretary said inclusion remains central to the reform agenda, pointing to the establishment of two dedicated schools for transgender students with 100 students enrolled, as well as early morning education options for children involved in agricultural work.
He added that 100 schools are now being converted to solar energy, while 20 schools have been digitized in partnership with the DIL Foundation.
Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Deri Hassanabad has also been developed into a model facility.
Roundtable participants stressed that expanding access must be coupled with improving the quality of the classroom experience, including playful learning methods, social and emotional development, and positive discipline.
They also called for a gender-responsive approach to ensure girls remain confident and engaged in school.
Mr. Chaudhry linked these initiatives to broader educational reforms being implemented under Punjab Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, including mobile “School on Wheels” and “Library on Wheels” programmes, Hunhar Scholarship Programme, expansion of IT infrastructure, school feeding initiatives, transport facilities for women’s colleges, and specialized centers for children with additional needs.