Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday inaugurated the first Daanish Science and Technology School in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), marking a significant milestone in expanding educational opportunities for underprivileged children.
Speaking at the ceremony in Bhimber on Wednesday, the Prime Minister highlighted the aim of the initiative to provide quality education to talented students from underdeveloped regions, a vision initiated by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
“Thousands of students have graduated from Daanish schools and are now contributing in various fields,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said, adding that the schools provide free books, meals and boarding.
The Prime Minister announced plans to establish more daanish schools in AJK, including Neelum, and extend the initiative to Gilgit Baltistan, Balochistan and the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He ordered the authorities to complete the construction and make the school operational within a year.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s political, moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris. “The sacrifices of the Kashmiri people will not go in vain,” he said, highlighting the dedication of Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir in supporting the Kashmiri cause.
The prime minister also praised his government’s economic measures, citing reduction in inflation and policy rates, increase in exports and foreign remittances. “We have avoided a default and are on track to complete the IMF program,” he said.
AJK Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq welcomed the initiative, calling it “revolutionary” for the region. Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam confirmed the establishment of four daanish schools in AJK, thereby promoting access to modern education.
The event was attended by federal ministers, AJK legislators and Hurriyat leaders, highlighting the government’s focus on advancing education as a cornerstone of national progress.
