The new Daanish School Islamabad has officially opened its doors. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the federal capital’s first Daanish campus on Sunday, 18 October 2026, and said the aim is simple: a talented child from a poor family should get the same quality of education that rich families buy for their children. For teachers, parents and students across Pakistan, this is one of the biggest education stories of the week.
Daanish School Islamabad Inaugurated by PM Shehbaz Sharif
The Prime Minister visited the campus, met students in their classrooms and spoke at the opening ceremony. Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui also addressed the gathering. In his speech, Shehbaz Sharif said every child deserves an equal chance in life, no matter how much money their family has or where they come from.
He shared real success stories of Daanish graduates. One was a girl from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who fought through difficult circumstances to complete her studies. Another was a young woman from Bahawalpur who lost her father as a child and later became a doctor. According to the PM, such stories show what free quality education can do for deserving children.
Key Facts About the New Campus
Here are the main points every parent and teacher should know about the Daanish School Islamabad:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| — | — |
| Inauguration date | 18 October 2026 |
| Inaugurated by | PM Shehbaz Sharif |
| Land | 10 acres allotted by the CDA |
| Foundation stone | Laid in 2024 |
| Applications received | Over 7,000 |
| Seats available | 210 |
| Budget 2026-27 | Rs3.8 billion (approved by Board of Governors) |
These numbers tell the real story. With more than 7,000 applications for only 210 seats, roughly 33 children applied for every single place. This shows how strongly families want affordable, high-standard schooling in the capital.
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What Are Daanish Schools?
The Daanish Schools system was started by the Punjab government in 2010, when Shehbaz Sharif was Chief Minister. The idea was to set up residential schools where bright but poor children could study, live and grow in a supportive environment. Today it is described as the largest network of boarding schools in Pakistan for both boys and girls.
The PM said the original vision was to match the standard of elite institutions such as Aitchison College and other leading grammar schools in Punjab, and then go beyond them. Students at Daanish campuses usually receive free education, boarding, meals, uniforms and books, so that financial problems do not stop a child from learning.
Why the Islamabad campus matters
Until now, families in the federal capital and nearby areas had to look towards Punjab campuses. The new Daanish School Islamabad brings this model to the capital under the federal government. It also signals that the federal government wants to expand the network to more regions, including AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan, where Daanish schools have recently advertised teaching posts.
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Who Can Benefit and How Admission Works
The school is meant for talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In general, Daanish school admission is based on:
- An entry test to check the child’s ability and potential
- Family income and financial need
- Interviews and document verification
- Quotas for orphans and children from remote or less developed areas
The first intake applied in March 2026. Parents who missed this round should keep an eye on the next Daanish School admission announcement, which is usually published in newspapers and on official websites early in the year.
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What This Means for Teachers
New Daanish campuses also mean new teaching jobs. Each campus needs qualified teachers, wardens, coordinators and administrators. Teachers who want to work in a residential school environment should keep their documents ready and follow job ads closely. Our earlier post on Daanish School Jobs 2026 in Sialkot explains the usual qualifications and the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Daanish School Islamabad inaugurated?
It was inaugurated by PM Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday, 18 October 2026.
How many seats does the school have?
The first intake had 210 seats, against more than 7,000 applications.
Is education free at Daanish schools?
Daanish schools are designed for deserving students and generally provide free education, boarding and other facilities.
What is the budget of the Islamabad campus?
The Board of Governors approved Rs3.8 billion for the 2026-27 financial year.
Final Word
The opening of Daanish School Islamabad is a hopeful step for children who have talent but not money. If the campus keeps its standards high and admissions remain fair and merit-based, it can change hundreds of lives every year. You can read the original report on Dawn News.
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