The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has proposed allocating Rs9.5 billion in its 2026-27 budget to transform 72 public schools into model institutions equipped with modern facilities and designed to meet international education standards.

According to budget documents, the initiative is part of the provincial government’s broader education reform agenda aimed at improving the quality of public education and expanding opportunities for talented students across the province.

Under the plan, 72 existing schools will be upgraded, including 31 boys’ schools and 31 girls’ schools, with the remaining institutions expected to be developed under the project’s broader framework.

The upgraded schools will feature modern infrastructure, including advanced information technology and science laboratories, swimming pools, and other educational and recreational facilities intended to enhance the learning environment.

A key feature of the programme is the provision of free education for students from Grade 6 to Grade 12. In addition to tuition-free education, enrolled students will receive free boarding, meals, textbooks, and monthly stipends.

Officials said admissions to the model schools will be merit-based, with each institution selecting 50 academically outstanding students through a competitive process.

The project is scheduled to commence in July 2026 and is expected to be completed by September 2027.

According to the Education Department, the initiative has been included as one of the flagship reforms in the provincial budget and is intended to improve access to quality education, promote academic excellence, and strengthen human capital development in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Education experts view the programme as a significant investment in the province’s public education sector, particularly for students from underserved communities who may benefit from access to high-quality facilities and support services.