Nation could over come challenges by education:CM Punjab

Lahore:Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has said that Pakistan is facing serious challenges like terrorism, loadshedding and corruption which can be overcome through promotion of education and national approach. He urged that the rulers should spend the national exchequer on education, health and public welfare instead of bullet proof vehicles, luxuries and construction of palaces and only in this way, the progress of country can be ensured. He said that the persons holding high offices at federal government or engaged in minting money whereas Punjab government is striving hard for making Pakistan a country of Quaid and Allama Iqbal. The Chief Minister said that the political and non-political governments are accountable to the masses with regard to their performance during the last 65 years and people can decide better that which government has taken solid steps for the development of the country.

He was addressing prize distribution ceremony and sports day of Cadet College Kallar Kahar (Chakwal) today. Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Higher Education Syed Zaeem Qadri, Members Assembly Sardar Mumtaz Taman, Ayaz Amir, Malik Tanvir Aslam, Zahoor Anwar, Begum Iffat Liaqat Ali, PML (N) leaders Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Majeed Malik, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Abdul Qayum, Malik Saleem Iqbal, Principal Cadet College Kallar Kahar, Lt.Gen. (Retd.) Nazar Hussain, teachers of the college, parents, and a large number of students were present on the occasion.

Shahbaz Sharif said that Daanish Schools are being set up at backward tehsils of the province where facilities of state-of-the-art class rooms, libraries, laboratories, sports grounds, hostels and mess have been provided. He said that these schools are better than prestigious institutions of the country and at par with Eden and Harrow Schools of England. The Chief Minister disclosed that an orphan girl student of Daanish School Chishtian in a speech before him told that she had wanted to become a doctor but her parents died and her dream of becoming doctor was materialized through establishment of Daanish School in Chishtian and she tells her parents every night that although you are away from me yet, in fact, you are with me in the form of Daanish School. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that Punjab government has adopted policy of hundred percent merit in the province and scholarships are being provided to 35 thousands talented students through Punjab Educational Endowment Fund. Similarly, two lakh laptops would be distributed among talented students this year, whereas Daanish School would be completed next month in Tehsil Jand, district Attock, he added. Shahbaz Sharif said that 75 thousand teachers have been recruited purely on merit in the province. He said that the country would be brought out of darkness and backwardness through hard work, devotion and good governance by taking initiatives for promotion of education. He said that Allah Almighty has bestowed Pakistan all resources but there is lack of governance and determination. He said that the examples of Japan and Germany are before us which were ruined in World War-II but these nations made the economy strong through their hard work during 60 years. He said that it is responsibility of us all to steer the country out of quagmire of problems. The Chief Minister said that although lot of time has passed, challenges are difficult but it is not impossible to cope with them. He expressed the hope that our youth will change the course of time and make the future bright by getting education. Shahbaz Sharif announced a grant of Rs.4 crore for the college and distributing laptops on the basis of merit among the intelligent students of Cadet College Kallar Kahar. He also distributed cash prizes and medals among the teams obtaining positions in sports competitions of the college. Principal Cadet College Kallar Kahar, Lt.Gen.(R) Nazar Hussain presented address of welcome and besides throwing light on the educational results of the college, appreciated the merit policy, good governance and steps taken for the promotion of education by Punjab government.