Equal education opportunities and Daanish Schools

The ability to learn and focus on precise details is unique to humans among all other species, enabling them to achieve the wonders of the world. This ability can be traced back to the origin of life on Earth. The fact that nations that have advanced in education are also leading the world clearly highlights the importance of effective learning. In modern times, economies that excel in innovations such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, quantum mechanics and modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) will be key in determining which economies lead the emerging knowledge-driven world order. Education is a powerful tool for transforming patterns of thought within individuals and nations. It holds top priority in the social sector of developing countries like Pakistan.

Historically, the education sector has faced numerous challenges, preventing it from delivering the expected outcomes. Education has long been a neglected area, but its role in shaping the future of nations is now widely recognised. As a result, significant efforts and resources are being directed towards improving the education sector, particularly through the introduction of blended learning and modern technologies.

The incumbent federal government, headed by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, is fully aware of these challenges and is committed to continuing to prioritise the education sector. Furthermore, efforts are being made to bring out-of-school children into schools, improve the quality of education and create a conducive environment, among other initiatives. Emphasis is being placed on both primary and higher education to make the younger generation competitive from an early stage. For a country like Pakistan, this focus is even more crucial for socio-economic development, as it facilitates the effective transition of its large youth population. Transforming 63 per cent of the youth into real assets requires optimal capitalisation through the establishment of high-quality, market-driven primary, secondary and higher education institutions.

Education is undeniably crucial for shaping individuals and societies in contemporary times. It is the cornerstone of personal development, social advancement and economic prosperity. Education goes beyond mere knowledge acquisition; it focuses on critical thinking abilities and practical skills that are essential for navigating life’s multifaceted challenges. Moreover, it promotes social cohesion, tolerance and a sense of unity. Empowered by education, individuals are poised to make substantive contributions to their communities and the broader global milieu. Education is not solely about attaining credentials but also about empowering individuals and catalysing positive social transformation.

The provision of quality modern education, particularly to underprivileged children, was recently highlighted when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated a Daanish School on Kurri Road in Islamabad. This was not the first time that one had heard about Daanish Schools. Rather, it was an extension at the federal level of the initiative that Shehbaz Sharif, then chief minister of Punjab, had undertaken in 2010. The initiative reflected his vision of making quality education accessible to talented children, particularly those from underserved areas across the country.

Punjab now has as many as 20 Daanish Schools, with 10 each for girls and boys, in the districts of Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Mianwali, Attock, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, Vehari, Bhakkar, Faisalabad and Sialkot. These schools are located in underserved areas. A considerable number of Daanish Schools are also being established by the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training. As many as 28 new Daanish Schools are being established outside Punjab. These include nine in Balochistan, six in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, three in Sindh, four in Gilgit-Baltistan and five in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). These schools are intended primarily for underprivileged children living in areas where quality modern education facilities are currently unavailable.

Inaugurating the first of many more Daanish Schools at Kurri Road in Islamabad, the prime minister emphatically stressed the urgent need to ensure equal opportunities in education and healthcare. He regretted that Pakistan had failed to fulfil the vision of its founder, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, by providing every child with access to quality education, irrespective of their socio-economic background. Pakistan cannot reach its true destination without ensuring accessible, high-quality opportunities for all citizens in every field. He also emphasised that every child, from Karachi to Peshawar and from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, deserves equal access to quality education, regardless of family income or social standing.

Facilities at the Daanish School in Islamabad and those being established in different parts of the country include well-equipped classrooms, modern science and computer laboratories, residential hostels, dining halls, playgrounds, smart devices and modern technology, extensive libraries, and free books and uniforms, to name a few.

In line with the prime minister’s vision, Daanish Schools are opening doors for talented and deserving children. In these innovative educational institutions, merit will lead to quality education and a future offering greater possibilities and opportunities.

In conclusion, one can only wish Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif all the best in maintaining his commendable resolve to ensure modern, quality education for all, particularly underprivileged children from underserved areas, to the maximum extent possible.