LAHORE: (Thursday, January 15, 2026): Acting Governor of Punjab Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has said that the future belongs to artificial intelligence and digital technology; therefore, between 2025 and 2030, AI and digital education must be introduced starting from primary schools. He expressed these views as the chief guest at the Hunarmand Punjab Scholarship ceremony held at Punjab University Al Raazi Hall here on Thursday. On this occasion, Punjab Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, faculty members, and a large number of students were present. Addressing the ceremony, Acting Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that excellence in any field is a blessing bestowed by Almighty Allah and that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the current Punjab government is the only government in the region that has tripled its education budget. He said that programs such as Hunarmand Punjab and e-Rozgar are the need of the hour, and it is essential to equip the younger generation with skills in line with modern requirements. He remarked that due to the lack of digital skills, his generation had gone through a period of crisis. He added that there are 60,000 government schools in Punjab, and if anyone can make revolutionary decisions at this level, it is Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Comparing the expenditures of public and private educational institutions, he said that private schools incur heavy monthly costs per child, whereas very little is spent annually on a child in government schools; therefore, special attention must be given to children studying in public schools. Punjab Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat said that the Punjab government is taking serious steps for the education and welfare of youth. He stated that the auction of shops at the flower market opposite PU has significantly increased government revenue. He added that, in collaboration with Google, thousands of students have already completed useful digital courses. He further said that in the next two years, digital skills will be provided to 500,000 children, one million digital courses will be conducted, and 4,000 AI labs are being established in high schools across the province. PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that the government is serious about the welfare and education of youth. He stated that PU is a major partner in Digital Punjab and in the field of cyber security. He added that thousands of students from other provinces are receiving free education at Punjab University. Later, through a lucky draw, a female student, Nimra Chaudhry, was awarded an e-bike.