ISLAMABAD

Pakistan’s Senate has passed the Right to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill 2026, introducing sweeping changes to the national education framework by making computer science and coding compulsory subjects in schools.

Under the newly approved amendments, programming and computer education will become mandatory for students from elementary to high school level, marking one of the country’s most significant curriculum reforms focused on digital and technology education.

The legislation amends the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2012 and formally integrates coding and computer science into core school education as part of Pakistan’s broader push toward a technology-driven economy.

Officials said the move is aimed at preparing students for the demands of the global digital economy and future job markets increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, automation and emerging technologies.

Lawmakers backing the bill argued that traditional literacy alone is no longer sufficient in the modern era and that digital skills, including computer programming, have become essential for future competitiveness.

“Modern technology education is now a fundamental right of every student,” officials associated with the legislation said following the Senate’s approval.

The amendment, passed by the upper house, will come into immediate effect, according to parliamentary documents.

Education and technology experts have largely welcomed the move, describing it as a critical step toward narrowing Pakistan’s digital skills gap and aligning the country’s education system with international technological trends.

Analysts say the reform could significantly influence Pakistan’s long-term digital workforce development strategy as the country seeks to expand its IT exports, startup ecosystem and technology sector participation globally.