GILGIT: As part of an initiative to promote modern education, a portion of old Gilgit jail building has been converted to a public library.

The initiative was part of “GB Dream Moves on” project launched by GB Chief Secretary Mohiyuddin Wani to provide education facilities in the region and the library was inaugurated at a ceremony.

Under the project, the remaining part of the building will be converted into a science museum.

The facilities included in the library containing thousands of books are reading corners, internet facility, study tables, daily newspapers, magazines and computers. The library will remain open till 9pm for the public and will be a great learning opportunity for the public, particularly students.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Wani said students, teachers and general public of the area would get modern education facilities in the building.

He said his focus was to promote education and awareness in the region as education was a key to change.

Speakers on the occasion lauded the conversion of the old jail into a library, stating that the building had been redundant for the last five years.

Adviser to GB Chief Minister on Information Technology Surya Zaman said the public library was an inspiring initiative to promote modern education facilities in the region.

Those who attended the inaugural ceremony included GB Law Minister Syed Sohail Abbas, Inspector General of Police Gilgit-Baltistan Afzal Mahmood Butt, Commissioner Gilgit Region Qamar Kamal, Deputy Commissioner Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Hamza, besides a large number of students and civil society members.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2023