MUZAFFARABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday underscored his government’s commitment to expanding quality education to remote regions and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of a Daanish School in Harighel, Bagh district, the prime minister said extending modern educational facilities to underdeveloped areas was essential for Pakistan’s long-term progress. The ceremony was attended by AJK Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, federal ministers and senior PML-N leaders.
Highlighting the reach of the Daanish Schools network — launched in Punjab in 2010 — Mr Sharif said the system had transformed opportunities for children from low-income families. He noted that construction on the Bhimber campus, initiated earlier this year, had already reached 35 per cent completion, while progress on the Bagh campus was also advancing steadily. He directed authorities to ensure the school’s inauguration on March 23, 2026.
The prime minister also announced new Daanish Schools for Neelum Valley and Forward Kahuta, terming the latter a “gift” for the newly elected AJK leadership. He said the schools’ academic standards, digital infrastructure, residential facilities and merit-based admissions made them comparable to top-tier institutions in Pakistan.
“Your children will receive the best free education here — without any sifarish and purely on merit,” he said, adding that teachers would be appointed from local communities to strengthen ownership and quality.
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Recalling the achievements of Daanish School graduates over the past 14 years, he expressed confidence that students from AJK would similarly excel in diverse fields and bring honour to the region and the country.
Turning to national security, the prime minister referred to a recent report by the US Congress, saying it acknowledged Pakistan’s success in a brief confrontation with India in May. He credited Pakistan’s military leadership and the armed forces for what he described as a decisive response during the escalation.
PM Shehbaz said he had directed the Education Department to ensure the school’s inauguration on March 23, 2026.https://t.co/zW7MLoUGBc
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) November 21, 2025
On economic issues, Mr Sharif said the government was working “day and night” to stabilize the economy and achieve sustainable development. Linking the aspirations of children in AJK with those in occupied Kashmir, he reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination.
AJK Prime Minister Rathore thanked the federal government for its support, adding that the new school reflected Islamabad’s long-standing commitment to the region’s development. Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Amir Muqam and Rana Mashhood also addressed the gathering.
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