Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken a major step to ease the financial burden on the public by significantly lowering electricity rates while keeping fuel prices unchanged.
In a statement released on Saturday, the prime minister emphasized that the government was committed to passing on the full financial benefits of reduced electricity rates to the people without altering petroleum prices. He highlighted that this initiative was part of a broader strategy aimed at bringing meaningful relief to consumers.
He further stated that a comprehensive package was being formulated to decrease electricity costs, with final details currently under review. The initiative is designed to ensure that fluctuations in global oil prices and other economic measures translate into real benefits for the citizens. The prime minister reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing public welfare and announced that the relief package would be officially revealed in the coming weeks.
He expressed confidence that reducing electricity rates would not only lower utility bills but also contribute to overall economic stability by curbing inflation. Additionally, he assured that he would personally address the nation to explain the relief measures and other supportive initiatives.
Daanish University Set to Become a Global Hub for Applied Sciences
On the same day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced the establishment of Daanish University in Islamabad, which he described as a future world-class institution specializing in applied sciences, research, and development.
Speaking at a site review ceremony at Sector H-16, the prime minister shared his excitement over the allocation of 100 acres of land for the university. While acknowledging that Pakistan has numerous educational institutions across different provinces, he noted a gap in dedicated centers for modern applied sciences research and development.
He expressed optimism that Daanish University could achieve a global reputation comparable to institutions such as Stanford, Oxford, and MIT. The prime minister revealed that the university’s first phase would be operational by August 14, 2026.
To ensure academic independence, he stated that the government would have no direct control over the university’s administration. Instead, it would function autonomously, similar to the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI), which was established through specific legislation and is now a leading healthcare institution.
Admissions to Daanish University will be based strictly on merit, welcoming students from across the country. A Trust will oversee the university’s operations, with the government initially providing Rs. 10 billion as seed funding. The institution will later sustain itself through tuition fees collected from affluent students, while those from underprivileged backgrounds will receive financial assistance.
The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, ministers, lawmakers, education experts, and other officials.
The prime minister also confirmed that the board of governors for Daanish University had been finalized, ensuring that top minds contribute to its success. The campus will feature a red façade and state-of-the-art facilities.
Reflecting on the success of Daanish schools in Punjab, the prime minister highlighted how these institutions have provided free education, smart boards, IT labs, dormitories, and other essential resources to students from disadvantaged regions. He praised educators who left well-paying jobs to teach at these schools, emphasizing that without such efforts, many talented students would have missed opportunities for a quality education.
Funding and Vision for the Future
Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to former Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa and current Chief Justice Yahya Afridi for ensuring the transfer of £190 million back to the national treasury. He confirmed that this recovered amount would be utilized to fund the establishment of Daanish University.
He emphasized that national progress relies on hard work, innovation, and education rather than dependence on loans and financial aid. He reiterated his vision of transforming Pakistan into a prosperous and self-reliant nation, in line with the ideals of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Leaders Endorse the Initiative
Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui spoke about the evolving landscape of science and technology, stressing that modern advancements should guide Pakistan’s educational priorities. He assured the nation that the government was committed to fostering knowledge and wisdom through initiatives like Daanish University.
Minister for Planning and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal described the university’s launch as a historic milestone, aligning with the prime minister’s commitment to education. He recalled Shehbaz Sharif’s earlier initiative of establishing Daanish schools in Punjab, which provided quality education to students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Ahsan Iqbal further explained that Daanish University aims to equip students for the next industrial revolution by offering specialized education in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, space sciences, and other emerging fields. The institution will bridge the gap between academia and industry through applied research and will also seek international partnerships for technology transfer.
He reiterated that the £190 million recovered from a past money-laundering case, which originally belonged to the people of Pakistan, would now be used to develop the university. He criticized a previous government for misusing these funds and acknowledged the efforts of the judiciary in redirecting the money for a public welfare project.
Ahsan Iqbal concluded by stating that Daanish University would serve as a premier institution, offering talented students from Daanish schools and across Pakistan a pathway to higher education and leadership roles in technology and innovation.
