Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated the Danish School in Mankera, Bhakkar, and formally launched the School Meal Programme at Government Primary School Kisanwala.
During the visit, the chief minister announced the upgradation of three schools in Mankera, ordering immediate implementation and issuance of official notifications, said a handout issued here on Sunday.
Government Girls Primary School Kisanwala was upgraded to the elementary level, while the Government Elementary Schools of Kari and Noorpur Shah were elevated to high school status.
At Government Primary School Kisanwala, the chief minister distributed lunch boxes among students, visited classrooms, and interacted warmly with the children. She expressed satisfaction over desks made from recycled milk cartons, noting that such furniture can withstand rain, extreme temperatures up to 100°C, and remain usable for up to 40 years.
Interacting informally, she encouraged students to drink milk, eat healthy, and stay strong, while stressing the importance of reading and gaining knowledge, which she said increases respect and confidence.
Upon arrival at Danish School Mankera, the chief minister held the hands of two children wearing white turbans as she accompanied them to the inauguration ceremony. She also visited the school’s computer lab and library, engaged students with questions, and took photographs with them individually. At the girls’ campus hostel, she celebrated the birthdays of three students, Nirmal Tahreem, Shakeela Noor, and Anusha Kanwal, hailing from Balochistan, and conveyed her best wishes.
Later, she joined students for lunch, urging 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 said 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 Danish Schools and School Meal Programme, saying that over 200,000 empty milk packs are being recycled into furniture, notebooks, and pencils. Currently, 13,197 students are enrolled in 20 Danish schools across the province.
The briefing also highlighted that the School Meal Programme is being implemented in 8,319 schools across 13 districts, including 4,309 boys’ and 4,010 girls’ schools, providing nutritious lunches. Since its launch, student enrolment has increased by 28 per cent, adding 24,740 students. Under the programme, 33.7 million milk packs and 12.2 million biscuit packets have been distributed in schools across Bahawalnagar, Kot Addu, Bhakkar, Layyah, Mianwali, Muzaffargarh, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Taunsa, Chiniot, Lodhran, and Vehari.
Separately, Maryam Nawaz strongly condemned the cowardly terrorist attacks carried out by “Fitna-e-Hindustan” in Balochistan.
In a statement, the chief minister paid tribute to the security forces for bravely repulsing the attackers and foiling their plans. She emphasized that Balochistan is an integral part of Pakistan, and every Pakistani holds deep love for the province and its people. “We will protect every inch of Balochistan,” she said.
The CM said the entire nation stands united and determined to defeat terrorism. She added that terrorists playing into the hands of the enemy do not deserve leniency and vowed that the blood of innocent people would not go unavenged.
The chief minister stressed that the terrorists have no connection with religion or Baloch identity, describing them as traitors. “The people of Punjab, along with the entire nation, stand shoulder to shoulder with the patriotic people of Balochistan and will fully support them,” she said.
Referring to Islamic teachings, she noted that 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 considered true Muslims, adding that such elements would face disgrace in this world and the hereafter.