After the launch of the Honhaar Scholarship Programme, distribution of laptops, provision of electric bikes to students, and the upgradation of public schools, the Punjab government has taken yet another revolutionary step in the field of education.
A total of 300 schools are being established across Punjab. In the first phase, 128 schools have already been completed, while 178 more schools will be established in the second phase. These institutions will collectively have the capacity to accommodate between 300,000 and 325,000 students. For the first 128 schools alone, 105,324 students have already registered for admission. At present, nine Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence have been established in Lahore. Education is the most fundamental and important component of any society. Without education, no country, society, or nation can establish its identity. The nations that have advanced in today’s world have done so primarily because of education. The next level of education is technology, and the countries that recognised the importance of technology at an early stage progressed much faster than others.
Education is so important that our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) emphasised its significance by stating that one should seek knowledge even if it requires travelling as far as China. Acquiring quality education is essential for every child, regardless of whether he or she belongs to a wealthy or an underprivileged family. The Constitution clearly states that education is compulsory for children above the age of five.
I do not wish to dwell on what previous governments did in the education sector. However, the seriousness with which the current Punjab government, led by Maryam Nawaz, is treating education is clearly evident from the initiatives it has undertaken. For the first time in Punjab, scholarships have been provided to students on such a large scale by the Maryam Nawaz government. Laptops have been distributed extensively among students, and electric bikes have also been provided under her administration.
Education is so important that our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) emphasised its significance by stating that one should seek knowledge even if it requires travelling as far as China.
For the first time, government schools across Punjab have undergone significant upgradation. Public schools are now being run according to standards comparable to those of private institutions. All the facilities that are available in quality private schools are now being provided in government schools as well.
Maryam Nawaz has introduced a new chain of schools in Punjab under the name “Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence.” Under this initiative, 300 schools are being established throughout the province. In the first phase, 128 schools have already been completed, while 178 more schools will be developed in the second phase.
All 300 schools will collectively provide educational opportunities for between 300,000 and 325,000 students. Admissions have already begun in the first batch of 128 schools, and 105,324 students have registered so far. At present, nine Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence have been established in Lahore. These schools are not limited to major urban centres such as Lahore, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala. Rather, they are also being established in districts including Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzaffargarh, Taunsa, Rajanpur, Jhang, Chiniot, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Attock, Vehari, Wazirabad, Sialkot, and Gujrat.
These institutions will offer every facility that can be found in even the most expensive private schools. Recently, I personally visited the Nawaz Sharif School of Eminence located in Harbanspura, Lahore. During my visit, I met the school’s Principal, Dr Maria Amin, and Director, Mian Asif. Dr Maria is an extremely courteous and professional individual. She also took me on a tour of the classrooms and various facilities of the school.
The school is equipped with smart classrooms, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, STEM laboratories, a digital library, electronic boards, carpeted classrooms, biology laboratories, computer laboratories, and all other modern facilities that are typically available only in high-end private schools. The facilities available at the school clearly demonstrate how serious Maryam Nawaz is about providing quality educational opportunities to children living in underprivileged and marginalised areas. The standard of education in these schools is also expected to be exceptional.
One of Maryam Nawaz’s most notable qualities is that every initiative she introduces is distinguished by its uniqueness and quality. Before any project reaches the public, she personally reviews its standards. She does not approve any initiative until she is fully satisfied that it meets the highest benchmarks.
After personally visiting the Nawaz Sharif School of Eminence, I have become a strong admirer of this project. The establishment of an A-category educational institution in a relatively underdeveloped area of Lahore is undoubtedly a great blessing for the local community. It will enable children from ordinary families to receive high-quality education that was previously beyond their reach.
Maryam Nawaz is a mother, and perhaps that is why she understands the aspirations of mothers belonging to ordinary households. She makes every possible effort to help transform their dreams into reality.
In many of her speeches, Maryam Nawaz has repeatedly stated that all the resources and public funds of Punjab are a trust belonging to the people of Punjab, and that she derives immense satisfaction from utilising those resources for their welfare and development. Punjab had the same resources and budget before Maryam Nawaz assumed office. However, the benefits of those resources rarely reached ordinary citizens. Today, the government itself is reaching the doorsteps of the people. This, perhaps, is the most significant difference between the present administration and those of the past.
The writer is the PRO of information minister Punjab.