ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to build Daanish Schools across all three divisions of Gilgit Baltistan to impart world-class education and accommodation facilities to students from low-income groups.
The prime minister, in a meeting with GB Chief Minister Gulbar Khan who called on him, also constituted a committee to look into the issues faced by GB that would present its recommendations after consultation with the stakeholders.
The prime minister assured the GB chief minister that uplifting the GB people by providing them with education and health facilities was among the Federal government’s priorities.He also sought recommendations on the ways to exploit the immense tourism potential of GB, besides instructing to expedite work on Attabad and Harpo hydropower projects.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also sought a strategy for execution of solar power projects in Gilgit Baltistan.Federal Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema and relevant senior officers attended the meeting which deliberated on the uplift of GB’s education, health and tourism sectors.
The meeting was briefed about the progress on Attabad and Harpo hydropower projects. It was told that the said projects would help provide an uninterrupted power supply to GB.The prime minister was told that work on NaltarExpreessway has been completed to contribute to the progress and prosperity of the area.
As per the PM orders, three schools each will be set up in Azad Kashmir and GB and one school will be constructed in Islamabad. According to a statement issued by the PM’s office, “These boarding schools will accommodate 1,000 bright students each from marginalised segments of society, boasting state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment.”
It said that the focus will be on providing the best faculty to impart 21st-century skills, particularly in STEM and computer sciences, with admissions based on merit. The PM has instructed the fast-tracking of project designs for approval by the relevant authorities, with a preference for the construction on the state land.
In this regard, Education Special Secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani contacted the chief secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan for PC-I of the project. “The AJK, GB and federal government are in close coordination for starting these schools as soon as possible,” he said. Speaking to media, Mr Wani said that the PC-I of Daanish School in Islamabad has been prepared, which will be taken up in the Central Development Working Party’s meeting soon.
Asked about the timeline for the Islamabad project, he said: “Land had already been earmarked for this project in the Kuri area of Islamabad and the PC-I will also get approval in a few days. As per PC-1, the project should be fully completed by March 2026, he said, adding that the ministry would try its best to get it completed before the deadline.
