LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz inaugurated a Daanish School in Mankera, Bhakkar, and formally launched the School Meal Programme at Government Primary School Kisanwala, terming education and nutrition key pillars for a brighter future of children.
During the visit, the chief minister announced upgradation of three schools in Mankera. Immediate implementation was ordered and official notifications were issued. Government Girls Primary School Kisanwala was upgraded to elementary level, while the government elementary schools of Kari and Noorpur Shah were granted high school status.
The chief minister distributed lunch boxes among students at Government Primary School Kisanwala and visited classrooms, where she interacted warmly with the students. She expressed satisfaction over desks made from recycled milk cartons, and was informed that such recycled furniture can withstand rain and temperatures up to 100 degrees celsius and remain usable for up to 40 years.
Interacting informally with students, the chief minister encouraged them to drink milk, eat healthy food and grow strong. She appreciated the confidence of students and stressed the importance of reading books, saying knowledge and respect increase through education.
Upon arrival at Daanish School Mankera, the chief minister held the hands of two children wearing white turbans and accompanied them to the inaugural ceremony. She also visited the school’s computer lab and library, asked students various questions, and took photographs with them individually.
At the Daanish School girls’ campus hostel, the chief minister celebrated the birthdays of three students — Nirmal Tahreem, Shakeela Noor and Anusha Kanwal — belonging to Balochistan, and conveyed her good wishes.
Later, she joined students for lunch and urged them to work hard, remain confident and never fear challenges. “Through hard work, one can achieve what may appear impossible,” she said, adding that it brings her great joy to see daughters excelling in every field. She reaffirmed that, as a mother, she would do everything possible for the better future of girls across Punjab.
Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat briefed the chief minister on the School Meal Programme and Daanish Schools. He informed that more than 200,000 empty milk packs are being recycled to manufacture furniture, notebooks and pencils. Currently, 13,197 students are enrolled in 20 Daanish schools across the province.
The briefing further stated that the School Meal Programme is being implemented in 8,319 schools across 13 districts, including 4,309 boys’ and 4,010 girls’ schools, where students are being provided nutritious lunches. Since the launch of the programme, student enrolment has increased by 28 per cent, with an addition of 24,740 students.
Under the programme, 33.7 million milk packs and 12.2 million packets of biscuits have been distributed in schools of Bahawalnagar, Kot Addu, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Taunsa, Chiniot, Lodhran and Vehari.
Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attacks carried out by Fitna al-Hindustan elements in Balochistan.
In a statement, she paid tribute to the security forces for bravely repulsing the attackers and foiling their designs. She said Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan and every Pakistani holds deep love for Balochistan and its people. “We will protect every inch of Balochistan,” she said.
Referring to Islamic teachings, the chief minister said the Quran and Sunnah strongly condemn rebellion against the state and attacks on innocent civilians, including women and children. She questioned whether those who openly violate the teachings of Allah and His Prophet (PBUH) could be called Muslims, adding that such elements would face disgrace in this world and the hereafter.
Also, Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic bus-truck collision in Lodhran that claimed the lives of five members of the same family.
In her statement, the chief minister extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family, praying for eternal peace for the departed souls and strength for the family to bear the loss.
