Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced on Saturday that more than 71,000 students have applied for admission to the newly established Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence. The overwhelming response, she stated, signals a renewed public confidence in government-run educational institutions.
Record Number of Applicants for 65 Institutions
Chairing a special meeting to review the progress of the Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence project, the chief minister was briefed that admissions had drawn a record number of applicants. The schools, initially set up in 65 locations across Punjab, have seen an unprecedented surge in applications, reflecting the initiative's popularity.
Expansion Plan: 114 Schools by August 14
The meeting was informed that 114 Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence would become functional across the province by August 14, with a target to complete 300 such institutions by September. The chief minister set this ambitious goal to ensure widespread access to quality education.
These schools are being developed in line with international standards, according to a detailed briefing. Each class will have a maximum of 30 students, ensuring personalized attention. Highly qualified teachers will deliver quality education, and students from underprivileged families will pay zero tuition fee.
Fee Structure and Reserved Seats
Ten percent of seats will be reserved for students whose families can afford to pay the full fee. No tuition fee will be charged from students whose parents have a monthly income of up to Rs200,000. This tiered approach aims to balance accessibility with financial sustainability.
Maryam Nawaz: An Educational Revolution
Speaking on the occasion, Maryam Nawaz described the Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence as an educational revolution in Punjab. “The large number of applicants for admissions is evidence of restored public trust in public-sector schools,” she said. The chief minister emphasized the government’s goal to establish these schools in every division, district, and tehsil of Punjab.
She expressed pleasure at witnessing the strong participation of students in the admission tests conducted by government schools. Calling the project close to her heart, she thanked Allah Almighty for its success and appreciated the efforts of Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat and his team for their progress on the initiative.
