PM pushes for digital, International-Standard education

July 16, 2025 (MLN): The need for international-standard education in advanced disciplines has prompted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to direct substantial investment in digital infrastructure and modern classrooms for Daanish Schools and the upcoming Daanish University.

Chairing a review meeting on Tuesday regarding the construction progress of Daanish Schools across the country and Daanish University in Islamabad, the premier stressed providing competitive salary packages to teachers and ensuring a transparent, merit-based recruitment process.

He instructed authorities to expedite construction of Daanish Schools in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan, noting that the initiative had grown from a seed he planted in Punjab into a flourishing system.

Highlighting the achievements of Daanish Schools, the prime minister said hundreds of students from underprivileged backgrounds have graduated and are excelling globally.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring equal access to quality education, particularly for children from marginalized communities, as per the press release issued.

The meeting was informed that construction of the Daanish School in Kuri, Islamabad, is progressing rapidly and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Similar projects in Sultanabad, Ghanche, and Astore are set for completion next year.

Construction has begun in Bagh and Bhimber (AJK), while PC-1 approvals have been granted for upcoming schools in Sharda, Neelum, Sibi, Musakhel, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, and Dera Bugti. Feasibility studies are underway for a school in Hub.

Land demarcation has been completed for schools in Chitral, Karachi, and Tando Muhammad Khan, with rapid progress on feasibility and preparatory work.

Proposals are also under review for institutions in Abbottabad and Waziristan, along with updates on the Daanish University project in Rajanpur.

Regarding the university in Islamabad, participants were informed that the techno-feasibility study would conclude by the end of July.

Of the 12 international firms bidding for the master plan and design, seven met the required standards, and the procurement committee is finalizing the selection.

Plans for the university include world-class degree programs, admission protocols, and supporting facilities.

The prime minister directed that while university buildings should remain modest in structure, robust investment must be made in software, digital tools, high-tech labs, and smart classrooms.

The meeting was attended by federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, along with PM’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chief Coordinator Musharraf Zaidi, and senior officials.

Chief secretaries and representatives from all provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK, joined via video link.

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