PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to launch ‘Taleem Card’ project with the pilot phase starting in Upper Chitral.

The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, according to a statement issued from the chief minister’s secretariat on Saturday.

CM Gandapur termed the ‘Taleem Card’ as a flagship project of his government, which was aimed at enabling students from backward areas to access quality education from reputable institutions.

The chief minister emphasised the importance of swiftly mobilising resources and preparing the necessary arrangements to ensure the project’s quick start. He directed the education and finance departments to expedite efforts in the shortest possible time.

CM stresses need for mobilising resources

The decision to pilot the project in Upper Chitral was made following a briefing by chief secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, who provided insights from his recent visit to the area.

The visit was conducted following the chief minister’s directive to assess the situation in Upper Chitral following the glacier outburst event.

The chief minister asked for the short and long-term planning needs for supporting the displaced population.

He also directed the relevant authorities to explore all possible options for providing housing solutions to the affected people, besides making a sustainable plan for their long-term rehabilitation.

The meeting also discussed the initiatives aimed at improving education in remote and underdeveloped areas.

In line with a promise made to the top-scoring female student in the recent board examinations, the chief minister instructed the education department to expedite the establishment of a school in Shangla, the student’s home district.

He was informed that the student, supported by her father, had to travel long distances to attend a private school due to absence of a school in her area. She, however, managed to secure the top position in her exams.

Minister for elementary and secondary education Faisal Khan Tarakai, adviser to the chief minister for finance Muzzammil Aslam, chief secretary Nadeem Chaudhry, secretary elementary and secondary education Masood Ahmad and other officials were in attendance.

Published in Dawn, August 11th, 2024