Danish Schools: Shehbaz says every talented child deserves equal education

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that a child’s future in Pakistan should not be determined by their parents’ financial circumstances, stressing that every talented student deserves equal access to quality education.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of a Danish School in Islamabad on Sunday, Shehbaz said the initiative aimed to widen educational opportunities for deserving children and narrow the gap between wealthy and underprivileged families.

The prime minister congratulated students, parents and teachers, describing the documentaries and accounts of students’ achievements presented at the ceremony as inspiring and encouraging.

He highlighted the story of a girl from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who lost her father during childhood and faced financial difficulties that threatened her education. Despite these challenges, she continued her studies and became a doctor, allowing her to serve others, he said.

Shehbaz said her journey showed that talent and intelligence were not confined to any particular social class. Children from all backgrounds, he added, should have the opportunity to develop their abilities and achieve their ambitions.

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He noted that millions of Pakistani families struggled to meet basic household expenses, even when parents worked in difficult conditions in fields and farms. For these households, paying for education while meeting other essential needs remained a major challenge.

The prime minister said it was unjust for talented children from low-income families to miss out on educational opportunities because of financial constraints while children from affluent households could attend leading institutions in Pakistan and abroad.

He said the Danish Schools initiative was designed to address this disparity by providing quality education to deserving students, particularly those from disadvantaged communities.

Recalling the programme’s launch in Punjab in 2010, Shehbaz said it sought to help talented children in remote areas and underserved communities pursue education and build successful futures through hard work and ability.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s independence in 1947, the prime minister said Muslims who migrated to the country had left behind their homes and assets in the hope of establishing a society founded on justice, merit and hard work.

He called for national self-assessment to determine how far Pakistan had progressed towards fulfilling the aspirations of its founders.

Shehbaz reiterated that access to education and opportunities for advancement should not depend on a child’s wealth or family background. He described Danish Schools as a source of hope for students who, given the right opportunities, could improve their lives and contribute to national development and public service.

Students, parents, teachers, federal ministers, diplomats and senior officials attended the ceremony.