ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that Pakistan’s progress and development depend on the complete elimination of terrorism. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the first Daanish School Science and Technology Center of Excellence in Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), he acknowledged the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed and security forces in the fight against terrorism.
He also mentioned that the ongoing unrest in the country results in a daily economic loss of Rs190 billion, but he expressed confidence that those who are conspiring against Pakistan will ultimately fail. The prime minister reiterated his commitment to establishing more Daanish Schools in AJK and other underdeveloped regions, offering quality education to children who lack access to educational resources.
Prime Minister Sharif praised the Daanish Schools project, initiated by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, aimed at providing free, high-quality education to talented but economically disadvantaged children in Punjab’s less developed areas. He noted that thousands of Daanish School graduates are now contributing to key departments in the country.
The prime minister emphasized that Daanish Schools provide free education, books, meals, and boarding facilities, with separate buildings for boys and girls. He announced plans for additional Daanish Schools in Neelum and other parts of AJK, as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and the merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He assured that the federal government would fund the construction and operation of these schools, with a target to complete them within one year.
Prime Minister Sharif also extended Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of occupied Kashmir in their struggle for self-determination, in line with United Nations resolutions. He praised the Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, for his commitment to supporting the Kashmir cause and assured that the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people would not be in vain.
On the economic front, the prime minister noted that inflation rates and policy rates had significantly decreased under the current government’s efforts. He also highlighted the World Bank’s commitment of $20 billion for various projects in Pakistan over the next decade. He emphasized that the government had steered the country away from potential default and was on track to successfully complete the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
Agricultural Training in China:
In a separate meeting, Prime Minister Sharif directed officials to ensure that the selection process for students to receive agricultural training in China is transparent and merit-based. He acknowledged China as a long-standing ally and praised its advancements in agriculture, noting that he had requested Chinese leadership for the training of Pakistani students during his visit to China.
The government will bear the expenses for the first batch of students, with a 10% quota allocated for Balochistan. A total of 1287 students applied, and 711 met the criteria. The first batch of 300 students is set to leave for China in March to receive training in areas such as irrigation, veterinary disease diagnosis, and modern seed preparation. A second batch of 400 students will depart by mid-year to receive training in modern agricultural technology, including machinery use and crop growth techniques. The prime minister expressed gratitude to the Chinese government and universities for offering this opportunity.
Federal ministers, senior officials, and the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission participated in the meeting.
