MINGORA, April 19: The Chief Minister Ameer Haidar Hoti on Tuesday launched a UAE-funded programme for education development in militancy-hit areas by laying foundation stone of a higher secondary school in Baidara area.

A total of 125 projects would be completed under the Rs5 billion programme and its first phase would be completed in 18 months. Fifty-three projects have been specified in education sector besides launching 64 water supply schemes and health and infrastructure projects. Army’s 45 Engineer Division has been entrusted to execute the projects.

The inaugural ceremony was attended among others by UAE Ambassador Ali Saif, programme director Abdullah Khalifa Al-Ghafli, Maj-Gen Asif Ali, engineer-in-chief GOC 45, Maj-Gen Zahir Shah, ANP senior leader Afzal Khan Lala, provincial ministers Bashir Ahmad Bilour, Mian Iftekhar Hussain and Ayub Khan Ashari, MPAs, army and civil high ups and large number of locals.

Mr Hoti thanked the UAE President Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on behalf of the people and government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for extending assistance to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in testing times.

He also appreciated Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani for his efforts to secure the UAE-funded programme for reconstruction of terrorism affected schools and other infrastructure in the area.

The chief minister said people of Swat along with army had eliminated terrorists from the area for survival of the country, peace and bright future, hence, reconstruction of Swat was important from all aspects.

The CM said his government was committed to spreading light of education in Swat. In reply to welcome address of the school's principal, the chief minister approved playground for the school. He also assured provision of resources from his personal funds for this purpose.

He said construction work on road from Chakdara to Kanju and Kanju to Madain would commence soon. He said though responsibility of reconstructing the flood-hit road from Madain to Kalam lied with the federal government the provincial government had released Rs144 million to this effect.

Earlier, Programme Director Abdullah Khalifa Al-Ghafli threw light on objectives of the programme. He said the programme had been launched on special directives of the UAE President Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and was of prime importance regarding education and training of Pakistani children.

He said the US$ 26 million had been allocated for the programme, adding, 51 projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, South Waziristan and Bajaur would be completed.

Later, the chief minister inaugurated a public library in Matta bazaar, and approved Rs2.5 million for its building and purchase of books.

The chief minister also participated as a chief guest in a volleyball match at football stadium Matta, and awarded winner trophy to UAE volleyball team. He also distributed wheelchairs among handicapped children. He also laid flowers on the graves of violence victims.