Chitral (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday broke ground for the Daanish School in Chitral, reaffirming his government’s pledge to ensure access to quality education and inclusive development in the remote regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Addressing the ceremony, he praised the people of the province for their courage and patriotism, saying they had always stood at the forefront of Pakistan’s progress and security.
PM Shehbaz noted that his elder brother and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had consistently shown a deep commitment to national development, particularly focusing on KP and Chitral.
He said the Daanish Schools project was conceived to offer world-class learning opportunities to students from less privileged families living in underdeveloped parts of the country.
“These schools rival Aitchison College in quality and facilities,” Shehbaz remarked, “but they are meant for the children of common citizens, providing them free education, accommodation, sports, and all modern necessities.”
He expressed confidence that the Daanish School in Chitral would eventually emerge as one of the finest educational institutions in Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz said that he had assured the newly elected Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of full federal cooperation in advancing the province’s welfare and development agenda.
The prime minister added that the federal government would continue to support the provincial administration for the benefit of its people.
Sharing details of ongoing initiatives, he said 100,000 laptops were being distributed among high-achieving students under the Prime Minister’s National Laptop Scheme to promote digital literacy and academic excellence.
He also announced several new projects for Chitral, including the construction of a gas plant, a hospital, and a university in Upper Chitral. He instructed that the issue of electricity tariffs in the area be resolved without delay.
The premier highlighted the pace of infrastructure projects, mentioning that the 153-kilometre Chitral–Shandur Road would be completed next year, while the 46-kilometre Chitral–Buni Road was expected to finish by May.
He added that the seven-kilometre Lawari Tunnel project had already been completed, easing travel for residents and tourists alike.
Reiterating his resolve to root out terrorism and promote lasting peace, PM Shehbaz commended the armed forces for their dedication and sacrifices, crediting their professionalism under the leadership of Field Marshal and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir and other services chiefs.
The prime minister also acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose intervention, he said, had helped ease tensions between Pakistan and India at a critical juncture, preventing a potential escalation.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engr. Amir Muqam lauded the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif, stating that Pakistan’s economy was now moving in the right direction.
He praised the prime minister’s management skills and diplomatic engagement for helping strengthen the country’s international standing.