May 19, 2008	Monday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 13, 1429

SUKKUR, May 18: Sindh Education Minister Pir Mazharul Haq has said that at least 7,500 schools are lying closed in the province, buildings of some schools are in a shambles and animals instead of students have occupied those buildings. Some schools are being used as cattle farms and others are as police stations.

He was addressing a press conference at circuit house here on Sunday.

He said that development of nations depend on the standard of education and it was the new government’s priority to upgrade education standard.

He said that if system was not set right and given due importance, the next generation would be illiterate.

He said that Sindh was an important province, which generates huge revenue for the country. He blamed that education was overlooked in the province through a conspiracy.

He said that government was fulfilling its responsibilities and emphasised upon educationists to play their role for the betterment of education and added that this was the mission of Pakistan Peoples Party’s government.