KARACHI, March 18: City Nazim Niamatullah Khan on Thursday inaugurated the Government Girls Degree College, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, built at a cost of Rs21.8 million for which the University of Karachi had donated a one-acre piece of land.

The college was to be established in 1991-92 under the Annual Development Programme but due to some reason, the construction work could not be initiated. The work was started in 1997 and admissions opened in 2003.

In the first phase, construction on the ground flour has been completed and teaching process started at the college. The Nazim, speaking at the inaugural ceremony, stressed the need for a campaign against illiteracy in the country, saying that it should be an organized campaign.

Karachi, he said, had a higher rate of literacy than in other parts of the country. It has produced renowned experts and specialists in all fields. However, he added, the rate is still far behind the target.

He maintained that education was the city government's top priority. He reaffirmed his administration's firm resolve to alleviate illiteracy from the city.

"In view of our efforts in this regard, we have increased the number of colleges and schools in the metropolis. To meet the deficiency of teachers, services of volunteers have also been acquired," he pointed out. Principal of the college Ms Raza Haq presented the welcome address. - PPI/APP