Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ameer Haidar Khan Hoti Tuesday launched the implementation of the Rs 5 billion United Emirates Assistance Programme for Pakistan (UPAP) with the foundation stone for the construction of Government Higher Secondary School Baidara.
The first phase will complete in 18 months. Under UPAP a total of 125 projects in affected areas will be completed. Out of these 125 projects, 53 are education projects, 3 health projects, 64 water supply schemes while health and infra structure projects are also included. 45 Army Engineer Division has been entrusted to execute the projects.
UAE Ambassador Ali Saif, Programme Director Abdullah Khalifa Al-Ghafli, Major General Asif Ali, Engineer-in-Chief, GOC 45, Major General Zahir Shah, ANP Senior Leader Afzal Khan Lala, Senior Provincial Minister Bashir Ahmad Bilour, Provincial Ministers Mian Iftekhar Hussain, Ayub Khan Ashari, MPAs, Army and Civil higher ups and a large number of local notables were also present during foundation stone ceremony of the school. School Principal and Programme Director also addressed the gathering.
The chief minister thanked UAE President Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on behalf of the people and government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for extending assistance to Pakistan and people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in testing times keeping Islamic tradition of brotherhood alive. He also paid rich tributes to Pak Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kiayani on his efforts for procurement of this UAE funded programme for reconstruction of terrorism affected schools and other infrastructure in the area.
The chief minister said that people of Swat along with Pakistan Army had eliminated the terrorists from the area for survival of the country, peace and brighter future, hence, reconstruction of Swat is important from all aspects. It is the responsibility of the whole nation to continue this process of reconstruction rather should speed it up, he added. He said that weakening terrorists' network in Swat and establishment of peace in the area augment our firm resolve and commitment for rooting menace of terrorism. The way people of Swat, along with Pakistan Army, have struggled hard against this menace, such spirit on the part of the whole country is needed, he maintained.
The chief minister said that his government is committed for spreading light of education in Swat and removal of darkness of ignorance. In reply to welcome address of the school's principal, the chief minister approved a playground for the school and directed concerned authorities for submission of report within two weeks in this regard. He also assured provision of resources from personal funds for this purpose.
He said construction work on road from Chakdara to Kanju and Kanju to Maden will commence soon. Flood has seriously damaged road from Maden to Kalam which is in circle of the Federal Government. The provincial government has released Rs 140 million for its rehabilitation in order to facilitate tourists.
Earlier, Programme Director Abdullah Khalifa Al-Ghafli threw detailed light on objectives of the programme. He said that the programme has been launched on special directives of UAE President Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and is of prime importance regarding education and training of Pakistani children.
He said the $26 million have been allocated for this education programme, added, 51 projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, South Waziristan and Bajur will be completed under the programme and its first phase will be completed in 18 months. According to details, 41 projects of primary, high and higher secondary levels schools will be accomplished while reconstruction and up gradation of Government Technical and Vocational Centres, Government Girls Degree College Saidu, Government Jehanzeb Postgraduate College, Government Girls College Barrikot, Government Degree College Jowar, Government Polytechnic Institute Timirgara and Government Technical Institute Khar Bajur are also part of the programme.
Likewise 44 water supply schemes will also be constructed in water sector under the programme. Later, on the chief minister inaugurated Public Library in Matta Bazar that is established in a rental building. The chief minister approved a grant worth Rs 2.5 million for building of public library and purchase of books.
The chief minister also participated as a chief guest in a volley ball match at football stadium Matta Swat. He addressed the gathering on the occasion and awarded winner trophy to UAE volley ball team. The chief minister distributed wheel chairs among handicapped children of the area. The chief minister also laid wreath flowers on graves of martyrs.