Punjab CM Claims Schools of Eminence Outshine Private Schools in Facilities

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has asserted that the government's Schools of Eminence provide superior facilities compared to private schools that charge exorbitant fees. Speaking at a ceremony in Jhelum to distribute Honhaar Scholarships and laptops, she highlighted that these public schools feature air-conditioned classrooms, modern laboratories, and highly qualified faculty—amenities she claimed are often unavailable even in private institutions with fees up to Rs. 100,000.

The chief minister pointed to Attock, where a private grammar school and a government-run School of Eminence operate side by side, with the public institution reportedly offering better facilities. She challenged critics to identify any public-sector school outside Punjab that matches the standard of the Schools of Eminence, noting that 300 such institutions are being established across the province. 'Education is the best investment because every child is an ambassador of Pakistan,' she stated.

During the event, Maryam Nawaz announced that the Nawaz Sharif School of Eminence in Jhelum will become operational on December 15, and that Green Buses will be launched in Dina, Sohawa, and Pind Dadan Khan in January. She emphasized that her government has broken the tradition of confining development to major cities, citing the expansion of Green Buses from Lahore and Rawalpindi to districts like Khushab, Layyah, and Bhakkar.

The chief minister also reiterated that over 100,000 scooters are being provided to students across Punjab, with recipients receiving proper training, and that students enjoy free travel on Green Buses province-wide. 'Let children dream; Maryam Nawaz will work day and night to turn their dreams into reality,' she added.

On accountability, she declared that her government is executing development projects worth billions of rupees and challenged critics to point to any embezzlement of public money. 'I swear I will not spare any minister if evidence of corruption emerges against them,' she said. She also criticized past governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alleging that those who looted public money during 13 to 14 years of rule are now being exposed, while maintaining that every penny in Punjab is being spent on public welfare.