ISLAMABAD, Jul 15 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed authorities to accelerate the expansion of Daanish Schools and Daanish University while making significant investments in digital infrastructure and modern education tools.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the prime minister emphasized the importance of providing international-standard education, particularly to underprivileged children. “As Khadim-e-Pakistan, I consider it my foremost responsibility to deliver quality education to every child,” he stated.
He instructed that teachers in Daanish Schools should receive competitive salaries and that recruitment should be strictly based on merit and transparency.
Calling for speedy completion of ongoing projects, PM Shehbaz said the construction of Daanish Schools in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan must be fast-tracked. He expressed pride in the achievements of Daanish School graduates, many of whom hail from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and are now making their mark globally.
“The Daanish School system, once a dream, has grown into a nationwide initiative benefiting thousands of children. I will always strive to ensure equal opportunities for all segments of society,” he said.
The meeting was informed that the Daanish School in Kuri, Islamabad, will be completed by year-end, while new schools in Sultanabad, Ghanche, and Astore will be ready next year. Construction has already started in Bagh and Bhimber (AJK), and plans for schools in Sharda and Neelum are approved.
In Balochistan, Daanish School projects in Sibi, Musakhel, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, and Dera Bugti have been greenlit, with feasibility studies underway for a new school in Hub.
Land has also been identified in Chitral, Karachi, and Tando Muhammad Khan, with further planning ongoing for schools in Abbottabad and Waziristan.
Regarding Daanish University in Islamabad, the techno-feasibility study will conclude by the end of July. Seven out of twelve international firms have qualified for the next stage of planning. The institution will offer world-class degree programs with modern labs, software, and advanced digital classrooms.
PM Shehbaz directed that while the university buildings should remain simple, substantial investment must go into cutting-edge educational technology.
The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui; Chairman of the PM’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan; Chief Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi; senior officials; and representatives from all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and AJK via video link.
