ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for equal access to quality education at the inauguration of Daanish School Islamabad, saying children from disadvantaged families deserve the same opportunities as those belonging to the country’s elite.
He said financial hardship remained a major obstacle for talented young Pakistanis. He described his presence as that of a public servant and stressed that poverty should never prevent deserving children from pursuing education.
Personal accounts shared by students moved the prime minister and other participants, according to the report.
Student Zahid Gul, from Kurram, said his family struggled to afford private school fees. His elderly father had no source of income, while his brother earned a living tending other people’s livestock.
Zahid said he sold scrap on Sundays to meet his educational expenses. Shehbaz embraced him and offered encouragement after hearing his account.
Another student, Aiman Ali Gul, recalled her father’s wish that she achieve something meaningful. She said admission to Daanish School brought happiness to her family and renewed her confidence in fulfilling his dreams.
Shehbaz said Pakistan’s young people possessed exceptional intelligence, determination and energy, but many lacked the resources needed to enter leading educational institutions.
He said the Daanish initiative was founded in 2010 to address this inequality and provide quality learning opportunities to talented children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.
The prime minister highlighted the achievements of former students, including a young woman from Bahawalpur who became a doctor. Their progress, he said, demonstrated what underserved children could accomplish when given support.
Officials briefed the prime minister that the Islamabad campus covers 30 acres and has admitted 360 students from different areas on merit.
Classes have begun at sixth, seventh and eighth grade levels, with 120 students in each grade. Initially, 38 teachers have been recruited, with further appointments planned according to requirements.
Separate academic blocks for boys and girls each contain 24 classrooms. Facilities include information technology, science and robotics laboratories, alongside an electronic library and an art room.
Nationwide Expansion and Future Skills
Shehbaz said the Daanish network was expanding beyond Punjab, with schools under construction in different regions. He emphasised reaching talented children in remote areas, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
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He also outlined plans for modern IT and artificial intelligence laboratories, linking educational access with skills needed for Pakistan’s future development.
