ISLAMABAD, July 27: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has approved Rs65 million to enhance facilities at the University of Karakurum. This project envisages construction of a language laboratory, seminar hall, common rooms for students and early childhood development centre.

The project also includes purchase of equipment for the language laboratory, technical and vocational workshops, furniture and equipment for early childhood development centre in addition to vehicles and internet facility.

KIU is the only university in the northern areas of the country, established in 2002 as a federal university, through the Northern Areas Counsel Legal Framework Order.

KIU is located in Gilgit, the administrative capital and the largest town of the northern areas of Pakistan. It is imparting education to 1,500 students, of whom one third are women, in its 10 departments. About 78 faculty members are working there, which include three professors, one associate professor and 74 lecturers supported by 236 staff members.

The remoteness and limited accessibility of the northern areas has meant that people are highly dependent on the natural environment, without access to many modern facilities.

Growing population, greater communication links and infrastructure development are changing traditional lifestyles and increasing the pressure on natural resources.

The strategic location of the university and its resourceful natural environment make KIU a unique varsity to promote socio- economic development through research, education and training of manpower.