PM lays foundation of Daanish School in AJK; vows educational and economic progress
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Photo: File
MUZAFFARABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday praised a recent report submitted to the US Congress that credited Pakistan with “military success” during its four-day clash with India in May, saying the findings validated the nation’s armed forces and their professional excellence.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of a Daanish School in Harighel, Azad Kashmir, the prime minister said the report confirmed what the country’s brave soldiers had achieved.
He reiterated that the US congressional report highlighted Pakistan’s exemplary performance during Marka-e-Haq, including the downing of seven Indian aircraft. He credited Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for the armed forces’ success.
“Our soldiers and pilots earned Pakistan respect on the world stage,” Shehbaz said, emphasising the “fearless and timely decisions” taken by both civil and military leadership to respond decisively to the Indian aggression.
The report, submitted by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission, also stated that Pakistani forces downed several Indian aircraft, including Rafales, in the four-day confrontation, which later became a “key selling point for Chinese defence exports.”
Shehbaz said the nation must now complement its battlefield achievements with economic progress. “After proving our military capabilities, the time has come to secure victories in the economic field. Nations that do not develop economically cannot succeed,” he emphasised.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “Pakistan will continue its moral, political, and diplomatic support. One day, the children of occupied Kashmir will also study in Daanish Schools,” he said.
Shehbaz highlighted the expansion of the Daanish School network, initially launched in Punjab in 2010, to Azad Kashmir. New campuses are planned for Neelum Valley and Forward Kahuta, aiming to provide underprivileged children access to quality education, modern technology, free uniforms, meals, accommodation, and trained faculty recruited from local communities.
Shehbaz stressed that the government remains focused on sustainable economic development and directed the new AJK leadership to ensure strong governance and improved public services for residents.
At the ceremony, attended by AJK Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, federal ministers, and members of the AJK Legislative Assembly, the prime minister instructed the AJK Education Department to complete the Harighel facility by March 23, 2026.
Speaking on the occasion, Rathore praised the initiative as a reflection of the prime minister’s commitment to the region, stating that students graduating from Daanish Schools would emerge as future leaders benefiting AJK and Pakistan.
Earlier, Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad to review the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). He instructed authorities to accelerate the process with full transparency and outlined plans to expand the fleet from 18 to 38 airworthy aircraft by 2029.
The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Federal Ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Privatisation Muhammad Ali, and senior officials.
