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Upgradation of seminary schools demanded

2017-06-18
MANSEHRA: The Jamaat-i-Islami has demanded the primary school status for the educational institutions run in mosques across the province under a government scheme.

`We welcome the government`s step to upgrade 100 seminary schools as its primary schools but want the same for other such schools functioning in the province,` local JI information secretary in Oghi told reporters on Saturday.He said most upgraded seminary schools existed in remote and underdeveloped areas of Mansehra district.

The JI leader, who is also a member of Oghi tehsil council, and chairman of the local education monitoring committee, said most seminary schools functioningin remote areas lacked facilities and had one teacher each and therefore, they should be upgraded to address staff and facilities shortage.

`If we want to bring a real change in the lives of our people, we will have to bring a major change in our existing educational system, especially the one in place in far-off areas,` he said.

T O U R I S M DEVELOPMENT: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has earmarked Rs2 billion for the promotion of tourism in Spat valley of Lower Kohistan district.

`We will spend Rs2 billion for the development of infrastructure in Spat valley known for its natural beauty and peridot gemstones with an aim to promote tourism,` adviser to theCM Zargul Khan told reporters here on Saturday.

Mr Zargul said the government wanted to provide employment opportunities to the people of remote and backward areas and therefore, Spat valley had specially been selected for infrastructure development, which would promote tourism and thus, creating employment opportunities for local residents.

`Once roads and other inf rastructure is developed, tourists both local and foreign will throng this picturesque part of upper Kohistan,` he said.

The CM adviser said Spat valley was located near Babusar top in Kaghan valley and therefore, it would become a major tourist destination after development.

He said PTI chairman Imran Khan was expected to spend Eidul Fitr in the valley.

`Imran Khan was very much impressed by the beauty of Spat valley during a recent visit and therefore, he has planned to spend Eid holidays there. A formal announcement in this regard has yet to be made, he said.

Mr Zargul said the government was striving for the development of upper and lower Kohistan, whose many parts lacked basic amenities.

`Upper and Lower Kohistan districts have huge natural resources, especially water. If these water resources are used properly, we can have electricity enough for the next 50 years,` he said.Correspondent