Rs9.8b to be spent on 11 Danish schools

Amount allocated for educational institutions in marginalised areas

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb on Tuesday said under the Prime Minister's directive, the budget earmarks Rs9.8 billion to establish 11 new Danish schools for talented students in marginalized areas.

The minister during his budget 2025-26 speech said three schools will be built in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, three in Gilgit-Baltistan, four in Balochistan, and one in Islamabad under the Federal PSDP 2025-26.

Additionally, he said the prime minister announced the creation of Danish University Islamabad, a tuition-free institution offering world-class education in emerging technologies, engineering, health, and IT for students from remote regions.

The university will feature modern infrastructure, trained faculty, and research facilities, with master planning and construction set to begin next fiscal year.

Emphasizing education as the "cornerstone of national development," Aurangzeb said the federal government reaffirmed its commitment to a quality education system under Article 25-A of the Constitution and the URAAN Pakistan Education Framework.

The finance minister said Pakistan faces major challenges, including 26 million out-of-school children and systemic gaps in access, equity, governance, and standards. He said a total of Rs18.5 billion has been allocated for education initiatives, including Early Childhood Education Centers to reduce dropout rates. Computer labs and the National Institute of Excellence to improve learning standards.

Similarly, Rs3 billion for rebuilding 1,800 flood-damaged schools in Sindh on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis with provinces.