CADET College, Skardu, was established in 2001 by the government of Pakistan and is administered by the ministry of Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan affairs. It is the first institution of its kind in the region, and Brig (Rtd) Taj Iqbal served as the first principal of the Cadet College. The college has its own board of governors, and the chief secretary of Gilgit Baltistan is the chairman of the board. Unfortunately, due to mismanagement the college faced a strike after which the then principal Col(Rtd) Azhar Hussain had to resign from his seat.

He served as the college principal from 2009 to September 2010.

At present there is no principal to run the college, and teachers are reluctant to join the college because they are not paid smart salaries though it is a tough task to get settled in the extreme cold region for a job.

Although cadets are trained to get themselves accommodated in tough circumstances, ‘Skardovians’, however, do not have any proper access to basic electricity and water facilities.

Along with physical exercises, cadets have to keep their focus on academic side as well. Proper ready-to-operate generators should be made available by the management so that cadets may not face any hurdle in achieving their academic goals.

These students will lead their country in future if they are equipped with modern facilities of science and technology.

Unfortunately, there is a non-operational computer lab in the only cadet college of Gilgit Baltistan. There is a need of urgent reforms by the government of Gilgit Baltistan before the collapse of the prestigious institution.

To infuse the spirit of discipline, an officer of the rank of brigadier should be appointed as principal. To assist him, the administrative officer (adjutant) should be a captain-ranked officer.

There is a need of well-functioning computer lab and well-qualified teaching staff for the cadets so that they can play their respective roles in the development of Pakistan. JUNAID KAMAL Gilgit Baltistan