ISLAMABAD: A survey team from the Federal Ministry of Education has arrived in Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), and begun their work to assess and evaluate the needs of Daanish schools in the region.
According to the Education Ministry, the Primary objective of the survey team is to gather data and insights that will inform the development and improvement of Daanish schools in Gilgit, GB.This initiative aims to enhance the quality of education and provide better learning opportunities for students in the region.
The survey team will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the existing infrastructure, facilities, and resources needed for Daanish schools in GB.They will also engage with local stakeholders, including teachers, students, and community members, to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the region.
Earlier, as the prime minister directed the authorities to set up Daanish schools in Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the federal education ministry expedited efforts to materialise this initiative at the earliest.
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 Dawn, 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.
According to the secretary, the federal secretary of education had been personally supervising the paperwork for the PC-I which would be approved in the next few days before hiring a consultant/contractor etc.
Meanwhile, GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan in a statement appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for deciding to set up Daanish schools in GB. He termed this project highly beneficial for underprivileged students of areas of GB, particularly those living in far-flung areas.
