Gilgit, Jul 10 (APP): Federal Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood said that the government was spending significant amount on the development of education in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Addressing a press conference in Gilgit on Saturday, he said that Rs. 650 million had been allocated for scholarships for the students of Gilgit-Baltistan to pursue higher studies in the best universities of the country. He said that 1200 scholarships had been sanctioned for Skill Development for Gilgit-Baltistan Students.
The Federal Minister added that Rs. 600 million has been earmarked for the expansion of Baltistan University, out of which Rs 25 millions would be released this year. He said that Rs. 1.6 billion has been earmarked for the Faculty of Engineering in Karakuram International University, out of which Rs. 200 million would be released this year.
“A scheme will be launched to provide Information Technology facility to schools in all districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, he added and said that the Higher Education Commission had allocated Rs 1 billion.
The Minister revealed that 47,000 children were out of school in Gilgit-Baltistan and to enroll these children in schools, a project was being launched in Diamer District and Shigar District in collaboration with the World Bank.
He said that all the madrassas in Gilgit-Baltistan would be registered and government of Pakistan would provide financial assistance to overcome their financial difficulties.
He said that the office of Pakistan National Council of Arts has been opened in Gilgit which would be further expanded. We will ensure the protection of cultural sites in Gilgit-Baltistan, he added.
A uniform curriculum is being implemented across the county, he told and added that due to non-uniformity of curriculum, the intelligent people and the nation were also being divided.
