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Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has called for equal access to quality education and healthcare for all citizens.
Speaking at the inauguration of Daanish School Kuri in Islamabad on Sunday, he said financial hardship should never prevent a talented child from receiving a good education.
The Daanish Schools initiative aims to give children from underprivileged families access to quality learning. It also seeks to help them compete with students from leading institutions.
Recalling the creation of Pakistan in 1947, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the sacrifices made by millions of people. They left their homes and belongings to build a country based on justice, merit and equal opportunity.
He said Pakistan could not fulfil the vision of its founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, without ensuring access to education and healthcare for every child.
“After eighty years down the lane, we must pause and honestly introspect what we had dreamt of in 1947,” he remarked.
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The prime minister questioned whether current educational inequalities reflected the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam.
He observed that wealthy families could afford prestigious schools and universities in Pakistan and abroad. In contrast, talented children from poor households often struggle to access basic educational facilities.
Pakistan has many gifted children who could contribute to national development, he said. However, they need the right support and opportunities to reach their potential.
The prime minister shared examples of students who overcame financial difficulties to continue their education.
One example was a girl with a disability from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite significant challenges, she continued her educational journey.
He also highlighted a girl from a disadvantaged area of Punjab. After studying at a Daanish School, she became a doctor and began serving humanity.
Such achievements demonstrate the potential of children from underprivileged families, Shehbaz Sharif said.
The Daanish Schools network began in 2010 during his tenure as Punjab chief minister. The initiative aimed to reduce the educational gap between privileged and disadvantaged communities.
It provides opportunities for children from remote and underserved areas. These include Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The prime minister also highlighted the role of the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund. Formerly known as the Punjab Education Endowment Fund, it supports talented students who face financial barriers.
Shehbaz Sharif expressed confidence in Daanish School graduates. He said they could transform their lives and contribute to Pakistan through hard work, innovation and determination.
“I am standing before you today not merely as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, but as a servant of the people,” he said.
The prime minister stressed that every child deserved a fair chance to succeed, regardless of family income.
He also called for greater attention to modern technology in schools. Information technology, robotics and artificial intelligence should form part of students’ learning, he said.
Earlier, Shehbaz Sharif visited different sections of Daanish School Kuri. He reviewed the facilities and met students and staff members.
During the visit, he encouraged students to pursue their ambitions despite the challenges they might face.
Federal Minister for Education Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui described the inauguration as an important milestone for Pakistan’s education sector.
He said Daanish Schools would create opportunities for disadvantaged students. The initiative could also support the country’s long-term development.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, praised Shehbaz Sharif’s efforts to support underprivileged families during his time as Punjab chief minister.
He highlighted scholarships for deserving students, the Punjab Education Endowment Fund and the Punjab Daanish Authority. These initiatives aim to improve educational access for families with limited resources.
According to an official briefing, more than 40,000 students were studying in Daanish Schools. The briefing also reported that 28 schools were under construction across the country.
The reported regional breakdown included:
Balochistan: Nine schools
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Six schools
Sindh: Three schools
Azad Jammu and Kashmir: Five schools
Gilgit-Baltistan: Four schools
The briefing also highlighted progress on the proposed Daanish University of Science and Technology in Islamabad. Officials said the project was nearing completion.
Students Zahid Gul from Kurram and Aiman Ali Gul spoke about the financial difficulties that had threatened their education.
Both expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Daanish Schools system. They said the support had helped them continue their studies and work towards their goals.
Graduates Amanat Ali, Ansa, Irfan Ullah, Dr Aleena and Naeem Asghar also shared their experiences. Their accounts highlighted the role of education in overcoming financial barriers and pursuing professional careers.
Federal ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, officials, teachers and students attended the ceremony.
The inauguration reflects the government’s stated commitment to expanding educational opportunities. It also highlights the importance of helping talented children from disadvantaged backgrounds build a better future.
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