Pakistan, July 12 -- Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday said the overwhelming response to admissions in the Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence reflected renewed public confidence in government schools, as more than 71,000 students applied for admission to 65 institutions established under the initiative.

Chairing a special meeting to review progress on the Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence project, the chief minister was informed that the admissions had attracted a record number of applicants.

The meeting was told that 114 Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence would be made functional across the province by Aug 14, while the chief minister set a target to complete 300 such institutions by September.

A detailed briefing informed the...