PESHAWAR, Dec 4: Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani has announced that Pashto will be a mandatory subject up to class 4 in government schools of the province. Speaking at a ceremony in Bannu on Sunday to launch two Pashto books, Mr Durrani said it was the right of every child to get primary education in the mother language.

The books that were launched — Khkula Da Kainat and Mangarai — have been written by renowned Pashto poet and holder of Pride of Performance Ghazi Siaal. Several MPAs, town and district nazims of Bannu, poets, writers and other people were present on the occasion.

The chief minister said know-how of modern technology and education were essential for the survival of a nation and for meeting future challenges.

He said the MMA government was focusing on the education sector.

He said Pashto departments would be established in all universities of the province.

He praised Ghazi Siaal for his services in promotion of Pashto and announced a cash prize of Rs50,000 for him.