Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently inaugurated the new Daanish School in Kuri, Islamabad, and used the occasion to highlight the urgent need for equal education opportunities across Pakistan. Speaking at the ceremony, he reminded the audience of the sacrifices made during the 1947 migration. Millions of people left their homes and belongings behind with the simple hope of creating a nation built on justice, fair play, and true merit.
He said that after nearly eighty years, it is time for honest self-reflection. The country they and their forefathers dreamed of in 1947 is still far from reality if children from different backgrounds continue to face unequal chances. The Prime Minister pointed out the clear gap that exists today. Wealthy families can easily send their sons and daughters to the best schools in Pakistan or even to institutions in North America and Europe. At the same time, bright children from poor families in Bahawalpur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and other remote areas often struggle just to receive a basic education.
Shehbaz Sharif explained that this reality does not match the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He stressed that every child, whether from Karachi or Peshawar, must have access to quality learning regardless of their socioeconomic background. To address this gap, he recalled starting the Daanish Schools network in 2010 with the clear goal of giving underprivileged students the same standard of education found in leading institutions.
The Punjab Endowment Fund has now been expanded into the Pakistan Endowment Fund. This step aims to support children nationwide with better facilities in both education and health. The Prime Minister shared inspiring stories of students who overcame difficult circumstances. One girl from a backward area of Punjab graduated from a Daanish School and became a doctor. Another special child from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa never gave up hope despite many challenges.
He described the Daanish system as a family that provides schools comparable to those in the West. Standing before the gathering not just as Prime Minister but as a servant of the people, he expressed hope that graduates from these schools will use their hard work and talent to transform Pakistan into a progressive nation. The event was attended by ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, teachers, and students who witnessed a heartfelt and motivating ceremony focused on creating real change for the next generation.
