PM Shehbaz lays foundation stone of Daanish School in AJK’s Bagh

Harighel, Bagh, (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the foundation of a new Daanish School in Harighel, Bagh, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, underlining the government’s commitment to extending quality education to underserved and remote areas of the country.

Addressing the gathering, the premier noted that the Daanish School system, which began in Punjab in 2010, had now spread across Pakistan, transforming the lives of countless children from disadvantaged regions.

He instructed the AJK Education Department to ensure the project’s completion on schedule, announcing that the school would officially open its doors on March 23, 2026, and revealed plans to soon lay another Daanish School in Neelum Valley.

PM Shehbaz highlighted that Daanish Schools provide educational standards on par with prestigious institutions such as Aitchison College and Lawrence College.

Students benefit from modern technology, free uniforms, meals, boarding facilities, and qualified teaching staff, ideally sourced from local communities.

He also pointed out that thousands of Daanish alumni were making a positive impact internationally, enhancing Pakistan’s image abroad.

Turning to national security, the prime minister cited a recent US Congress report that recognized Pakistan’s successful handling of confrontations with India.

He mentioned that US President Donald Trump had repeatedly acknowledged that Pakistan had downed seven Indian aircraft.

Credit for this, he said, went to the “exemplary leadership” of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, which had forced the adversary to retreat.

On the economic front, he stated that the country was moving in the right direction and emphasized that the government remained focused on achieving sustainable development.

The prime minister expressed hope that one day occupied Jammu and Kashmir would be freed and envisioned Daanish Schools operating there as well.

He also assured full execution of decisions made with the AJK Joint Action Committee and directed officials to enhance governance across the region.

Speaking on the occasion, AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore described the project as a reflection of Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to the people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

PM Shehbaz paid tribute to the armed forces and expressed optimism that the Kashmiri people would soon achieve their right to self-determination.

He added that children enrolled in Daanish Schools would grow into future leaders, serving not only AJK but the entire nation.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, Engineer Amir Muqam, called the initiative a remarkable milestone originally conceived by the then Punjab chief minister and praised PM Shehbaz for expanding it nationwide.