Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated the Daanish School Mankera in Bhakkar, marking another major step toward expanding quality education in underdeveloped areas of the province.
During the visit, the Chief Minister also launched the School Meal Program at Government Primary School Kisanwala, aimed at improving student health and boosting school attendance.
🍱 Lunchboxes Distributed, Classrooms Visited
CM Maryam Nawaz personally distributed lunchboxes among students and visited classrooms, where she reviewed newly introduced desks made from recycled milk packs. She expressed satisfaction over the environmentally friendly initiative and praised its role in promoting sustainability within schools.
She interacted with students, appreciated their confidence and dedication, and encouraged them to focus on healthy habits, advising them to drink milk, eat nutritious food, and stay strong.
🏫 Three Schools Upgraded in Bhakkar — Immediate Approval Issued
In a significant on-the-spot decision, the Chief Minister announced the upgradation of three schools in Mankera, with official notifications issued immediately:
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Government Girls Primary School Kisanwala upgraded to Elementary School
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Government Elementary Schools of Kari and Noorpur Shah upgraded to High School status
These upgrades are expected to improve access to education for hundreds of students, particularly girls, in remote areas.
🎂 A Personal Touch at Daanish School Hostel
CM Maryam Nawaz also spent time with students at the Daanish School Girls Campus hostel, where she celebrated the birthday of three students from Balochistan. She shared lunch with students and encouraged them to work hard, remain fearless, and pursue education as a path to dignity and success.
She stated that seeing daughters excel in every field brings her immense joy and reaffirmed her commitment, as a mother and leader, to do everything possible for girls across Punjab.
📊 School Meal Program Showing Strong Results
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of the School Meal Program and Daanish Schools.
According to official data:
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Nutritious lunches are being provided in 4,309 boys’ schools and 4,010 girls’ schools
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Student enrollment has increased by 28% since the program’s launch
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The program is currently active in 8,319 schools across 13 districts
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Over 33.7 million milk packs and 12.2 million biscuit packs have already been distributed
🏫 Daanish School Mankera: A Growing Educational Hub
The Daanish School Mankera project began in 2017 and is now spread across 250 acres, with 770 students currently enrolled. The institution is playing a key role in providing quality education to deserving students from multiple districts.
✅ Why This Matters
Education experts believe that combining free meals, school upgradation, and residential education facilities can significantly reduce dropout rates, especially in rural Punjab. The latest initiatives reflect a broader push to make education more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.
