A divisional-level “Back to School” program held at Government Muslim Higher Secondary School No. 1 on Syedpur Road in Rawalpindi brought together education officials, local administrators and development partners to welcome students back after summer holidays, raise awareness about out-of-school children, and promote the Enrollment Campaign 2025. Officials reported notable improvements in enrollment in Rawalpindi and outlined steps to sustain momentum through community engagement and coordinated action.
The event was attended by Additional Commissioner (Revenue) Rawalpindi Masood Bukhari and Additional Deputy Commissioner Headquarters Rawalpindi Muhammad Abdullah Khan as guests of honor. Chief Executive Officer Murree Nuzhat Kulsoom Shehzadi and district education officers from Chakwal, Attock and Jhelum participated on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer. Representatives from PMIU Lahore—Raheel Arshad, Programme Officer Monitoring and Evaluation, and Shehzada Sohail, Procurement Officer—also took part.
Organizers said the program aimed to welcome students back after the summer break, increase public awareness about bringing out-of-school children into the system, and boost the Enrollment Campaign 2025. The divisional gathering provided a platform to mobilize stakeholders around these priorities and to initiate immediate enrollments where needed.
Tariq Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer Education Rawalpindi, highlighted the Punjab government’s recent measures to expand access to education, including free textbooks, scholarships and other student support services. He presented the latest enrollment figures for the district and division and noted significant improvements in Rawalpindi since the launch of intensified enrollment efforts under provincial directives.
Raheel Arshad of PMIU Lahore presented district-wise data on out-of-school children within the Rawalpindi division and offered guidance on strategies to re-enroll these children. The data-driven approach was intended to help districts target outreach and monitor progress more effectively.
Additional Commissioner Masood Bukhari praised the District Education Authority’s efforts and pledged full administrative support to help achieve education targets. Officials emphasized that sustained coordination between government departments and local actors is essential to maintain progress.
Members of school councils, formed under education department guidelines, participated actively and pledged to support enrollment drives at the neighborhood level. Council members committed to raising parental awareness and facilitating the return of out-of-school children to classrooms.
Organizers said the program not only raised awareness but also led to immediate enrollments, marking the practical start of the campaign’s next phase. They stressed that bringing all stakeholders onto a single platform is critical to ensuring every child returns to school.
Officials described the Back to School program as a milestone for the Rawalpindi division that will accelerate efforts to expand education access and contribute to the Punjab government’s vision of education for all.
