GILGIT, Aug 30: The administration of the only orphanage in Gilgit is facing acute financial problems because of the drying up of donations after the Sept 11 terrorist attacks on the United States , says the principal of the orphanage, Maulana Hussain Ahmed.

The orphanage, run by the Sahara Orphans Education Welfare Organization, was established in Konodas area here 15 years ago. It had been running smoothly until donors, mostly from Arab countries, left Pakistan after Sept 11m, 2001. It earlier provided shelter to more than 100 boys and girls.

Speaking at a function, Maulana Ahmed said they had to close down the orphanage's hostel because of financial problems. He said that they were still providing books and other accessories free of cost to their students.

Mr Ahmed said that three teachers and a peon, who had been assigned to their institution by the Northern Areas' education department, had not been paid salaries for three months.

He called for provision of land for orphanage's building, upgrading of the institution to college level, provision of drinking water, special grant from government, increase in salaries of teachers, transport facility for children coming from suburban areas and an annual government grant for the organization.

He said that they were so hard pressed for cash that the institution was having problems paying Rs5,000 in rent for its existing building, adding that they were unable to sustain the financial burden.

Speaking as the chief guest on the occasion, the Northern Areas' education adviser, Hafizur Rahman, announced to provide up to Rs80,000 and computers and three more teachers under the Northern Areas Madressah Reforms Programme. He also promised to provide Rs30,000 for the orphanage.