LAHORE:Provincial Minister for Education Punjab, Rana Sikandar Hayat, attended the ‘Girls Education Fest 2026’ organised under the ‘HER-izon: Strengthening women’s educational leadership’ project by Youth Tube in collaboration with the Punjab Education Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA).
While addressing the ceremony held in connection with International Education Day, the minister said that girls’ education is a top priority of the Punjab government and under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, concrete steps are being taken to strengthen women’s educational leadership across the province. He announced that province-wide sports and speech competitions will be organised in schools across Punjab in February, and further shared the good news that laptops will now also be provided to students of private schools.
Rana Sikandar Hayat stated that the quality of education in public sector schools has significantly improved and that the government is implementing comprehensive reforms to ensure access, quality and retention in girls’ education. He termed computer education in schools, student scholarships, and teacher training as key priorities of the current government. The minister also announced Rs300,000 in total cash awards for teachers and participating students of the festival. Malala Fund Pakistan Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nishat Riaz, appreciated the confidence and leadership demonstrated by the girls and emphasised the need for sustained investment in platforms that amplify girls’ voices. She encouraged continued participation of girls in speech, debate, and academic competitions.
The festival featured reel-making, speech, and quiz competitions among students from public sector girls’ schools across Punjab. A total of 105 government girls’ schools applied for participation, out of which 72 schools took part and 55 schools qualified for the final rounds.
The event was attended by 210 students along with education leaders, policymakers, and civil society representatives.In Reel-Making Competition: Government Girls Elementary School Rehman Pura secured first position, while Jagiyan and Nonarian schools were runners-up. Government High Schools Nowshera Virkan and Mahmood Booti jointly secured third position. In Urdu and Punjabi Speech Competitions: Khadija and Rimsha from Government Girls Primary School Nishtar Colony (Lahore) secured first position. Laiba Yousaf from Government Girls High School 138, Jahanian (Khanewal) and Mehreen from Government Girls Primary School Nishtar Colony secured second position. In Quiz Competition: Government Girls Primary School Nawab Pura secured first position, while Government Girls High School Nonarian stood second.
