ISLAMABAD, June 14: Qatari Princess Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani on Saturday formally handed over 17 schools in the quake- hit area of Bagh to the AJK government. The schools handed over by her on behalf of the Qatar Foundation and Red Crescent included 10 permanent school buildings and seven temporary structures.

A Qatar-based non-governmental organisation -the Reach Out To Asia (Rota) - rebuilt these schools after the 2005 earthquake, a a press release issued here on Saturday said.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikha Aisha said: “It is a memorable occasion for those who have endured a lot of sufferings since October 2005 and for all of us who have worked with you on this project.”

“It is a milestone event for every child who was denied access to education because of the disaster that shook the lives of millions in this region,” she added.

The princess said: “We provide access to education to over 2,300 students through this project”.

Inauguration of the 17 schools is part of the first phase of rehabilitation efforts undertaken by the Rota in coordination with the Pakistan government, the Qatar Red Crescent and other social and community organisations.