By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday inaugurated 30 newly renovated science laboratories at 22 institutions of the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), including Islamabad Model College for Boys (IMCB), F-8/4, as part of the Prime Minister’s Education Reforms Programme to modernise public-sector schools and promote hands-on science education.
Federal Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui inaugurated the facilities, which have been equipped with modern scientific equipment, improved safety features and activity based workstations to enable students to learn through experimentation and inquiry.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training Nadeem Mahbub, FDE Director General Javed Iqbal Mirza, senior ministry and FDE officials, heads of educational institutions, teachers, parents and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Siddiqui said science education could not reach its full potential without opportunities for students to observe, investigate, experiment and discover.
He said modern laboratories would help develop innovation, creativity, collaboration and critical-thinking skills among students and prepare them for the scientific and technological demands of the future.
Mr Mirza said while talking to the ceremony that Phase-I of the Science Laboratories Renovation Project had been completed, covering 30 laboratories in 22 FDE institutions.
The upgraded facilities comprise 15 combined science laboratories, six physics laboratories, five chemistry laboratories and four biology laboratories.
According to the FDE, many of the laboratories had been established decades ago and had become outdated. They have now been redesigned and equipped according to modern scientific and pedagogical requirements.
The laboratories feature activity based workstations with water, gas and electricity facilities, allowing students to conduct practical experiments and engage in collaborative learning. Curriculum-aligned scientific equipment and enhanced safety measures have also been introduced. Mr Mirza said the project had been implemented across both urban and rural institutions and covered boys’ and girls’ schools and colleges, with the aim of ensuring more equitable access to quality science education.
He said Phase-II of the project had already begun, with a request for proposals floated for renovation of another 60 science laboratories across FDE institutions.
Rural and girls’ institutions have been given special preference in the second phase, he added.
Secretary Nadeem Mahbub said modern laboratories were essential for strengthening practical education and giving students meaningful opportunities to experiment and apply scientific concepts.
He said he had closely monitored the project’s execution to ensure its timely and quality completion.
He appreciated the efforts of the ministry, FDE, Project Management Unit, faculty and administrative teams for completing the first phase.
The initiative is expected to give thousands of students across FDE institutions greater access to practical science education and strengthen their preparation for further studies and careers in STEM fields.
