A new school has been established in the Kuri area of Islamabad under the name of Daanish School Kuri. At first glance, it may appear to be just another building, but in reality, it represents an idea: quality education should not be the privilege of children from wealthy families alone. If a child from a poor family is talented, that child deserves the same opportunities as one from an affluent background. This was the vision that gave birth to the Daanish Schools initiative, and today, that journey has reached Islamabad.
One of Pakistan’s major challenges has been the rising cost of quality education. Good schools, well-equipped laboratories, residential facilities and qualified teachers have become increasingly expensive. An ordinary labourer, a small farmer or the guardian of an orphaned child often cannot afford such facilities. As a result, many talented children are left behind. To address this inequality, an initiative was launched in 2010, when Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was Chief Minister of Punjab. He decided to establish boarding schools in the nine most underdeveloped districts of Punjab. These institutions were designed to match the standards of expensive private schools while providing education to deserving and talented children.
The opening of Daanish School Kuri sends a powerful message that, with the right vision, commitment and management, public-sector institutions can deliver education that meets the standards of even the most expensive private schools.
Initially, many people doubted whether such a model could succeed. They questioned how a government-run school could offer facilities and educational standards comparable to those of elite private institutions. However, time has demonstrated that it is possible when there is a clear vision and sincere commitment. In just fifteen years, 20 Daanish Schools and 14 Centres of Excellence have been established across the nine districts of Punjab. Today, more than 20,000 boys and girls are studying in these institutions. This figure represents far more than the number of enrolled students; it reflects the transformation of thousands of families. When a child receives a quality education, the benefits can extend to the entire family and change its future.
What distinguishes Daanish Schools from ordinary educational institutions is their comprehensive residential model. Students live on campus and receive their education in a supportive environment. Textbooks, notebooks, uniforms, shoes, meals and hostel accommodation are provided free of charge by the government. The schools have modern classrooms equipped with smart boards, science laboratories, computer labs and libraries. Large playgrounds provide opportunities for sports and physical activities, while round-the-clock medical facilities help meet students’ healthcare needs. Career counselling is also provided to support their personal and professional development. In other words, these institutions do not merely focus on academic learning; they work towards the overall development of each child.
The Centres of Excellence form another important component of this educational system. Unlike Daanish Schools, these institutions are non-residential. Students attend classes during the day and return home afterwards. Their monthly fee has been fixed at just Rs. 20 to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent children from accessing quality education. Students from all segments of society can seek admission, and the educational standards are maintained in line with those of Daanish Schools. In this way, the initiative offers residential education to deserving and orphaned children while also opening the doors to quality education for a wider section of society at a nominal cost.
Another important feature of this system is the pathway it provides beyond school education. Students are not left on their own after graduating from Daanish Schools. Those who demonstrate academic ability and perform well in the relevant selection process can receive scholarships through the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF). These scholarships enable deserving students to pursue higher education at leading universities in Pakistan. The initiative thus seeks to establish a continuous educational pathway, supporting students from Grade Six through to university and helping them pursue their ambitions regardless of their financial circumstances.
Initially, the initiative was concentrated in Punjab, but its underlying vision was always broader: to make quality education accessible to deserving children throughout Pakistan. Accordingly, a 10 per cent quota was reserved for students from other regions in Punjab’s Daanish Schools. Children from Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have also benefited from these opportunities. Now, with this vision being expanded at the federal level, efforts are underway to extend the initiative’s reach across the country. This marks a significant step towards making educational opportunities more equitable nationwide.
At present, 28 new Daanish Schools are being developed outside Punjab. These include nine in Balochistan, six in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, three in Sindh, five in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and four in Gilgit-Baltistan. These projects are at different stages of completion. They are being established in areas where access to quality educational institutions is particularly important. For many families in these regions, providing their children with a good education has meant sending them far from home. The expansion of Daanish Schools aims to bring these opportunities closer to the communities that need them most.
The latest addition to this broader initiative is Daanish School Kuri in Islamabad. Located in Pakistan’s federal capital, the institution has been completed on a priority basis through the coordinated efforts of the Federal Ministry of Education and Professional Training and other relevant organisations. Following the completion of its buildings, classrooms, hostels, laboratories and other facilities, the school became operational on 3 May 2026. Separate campuses have been established for boys and girls to provide both with an appropriate and supportive learning environment.
Admissions were initially offered in Grades Six, Seven and Eight. A transparent, merit-based selection process was adopted, under which students were assessed through tests and selected according to their abilities. The process was designed to ensure that deserving and talented children from different socioeconomic backgrounds could access these opportunities without favouritism or financial influence. The recruitment of teachers was also conducted through a competitive process, bringing qualified and experienced educators into the institution. Their role extends beyond classroom teaching to include mentoring and guiding students throughout their educational journey. At present, 360 boys and girls are enrolled at the school, and this number is expected to increase in the coming years.
The facilities at Daanish School Kuri have been designed to provide students with a comprehensive educational experience. These include well-equipped classrooms, modern science and computer laboratories, a library and dedicated reading spaces, residential hostels, dining halls and playgrounds for sports and recreation. The school follows the national curriculum and is affiliated with the Federal Board. Alongside academic achievement, particular emphasis is placed on character building, discipline, creative thinking, technological awareness, teamwork and the development of responsible citizenship. The objective is to prepare students not only to succeed academically but also to become confident, capable and responsible members of society.
Another significant development in Kuri is the establishment of Islamabad’s first Daanish University of Science and Technology. The proposed university aims to prepare young people for the demands and opportunities of the future. Particular attention will be given to artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, computing and research. The broader objective is to equip young Pakistanis with the knowledge and skills to become innovators and creators rather than merely job seekers, enabling them to contribute to national development through new ideas, technologies and solutions.
Looking back over the past fifteen years, thousands of students have graduated from this educational system and entered professional life. Many have become doctors and engineers, established their own businesses or secured positions in leading institutions in Pakistan and abroad. They are now contributing to their families and society. This is the real measure of the initiative’s success. A child who once feared having to leave school and work as a labourer may now be studying at a university or treating patients in a hospital. Such a transformation does not affect only one individual; it can change the aspirations of an entire family and even a whole village.
The opening of Daanish School Kuri is therefore much more than the establishment of another educational institution. It sends a powerful message that, with the right vision, commitment and management, public-sector institutions can deliver education that meets the standards of even the most expensive private schools. It demonstrates that merit, equality and equal opportunity need not remain mere words in speeches; they can be translated into reality through practical action. For children who once believed that quality education was beyond their reach, this school represents a new beginning. Its doors have opened in Islamabad, carrying the promise that similar opportunities can reach deserving children across Pakistan and help build a more educated, equitable and prosperous nation.