Knowledge is power: K-P governor launches primary enrolment drive

Children facilitated with free-of-cost admission, books, bags

PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Eng Iqbal Zafar Jhagra on Monday formally launched the enrolment campaign and enrolled children, four to nine years old, free-of-cost in government schools. Free school bags and books were also provided to the children.

“There is no dearth of talent among Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) students and they can compete at all levels,” he said during the launch ceremony at the Governor House.

The governor said, “Education is one of the most powerful tools that can change the fate of any nation.”

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While lauding the efforts of United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), he said, “With the help of these donor agencies education campaign will be launched successfully.”

The present government is putting all its efforts into ensuring that equal education opportunities for the people of FATA are at par with other progressive areas.

He said education and knowledge were the keys to socio-economic development of the country. Education was given utmost priority as we have already announced education emergency in tribal areas, he added.



He said in order to make Pakistan developed and sovereign we have to educate every child throughout the country. He urged officials to play their role to ensure 100 per cent primary enrolment in schools in FATA. No efforts would be spared in this regard, he added.

Education is a pre-requisite for real development of Pakistan, he said and added that all-out efforts are being made to provide access to education at the doorstep of all the school-going children in FATA.

While congratulating the students the governor said, education is the right of every child and it is the responsibility of the state to provide it. He said facilities of education and books will be provided to the students without delay. He also distributed certificates to position holders.

He said special steps are being taken to enroll children in schools from April 8 till May 31.

He also extended felicitations to those boys and girls who continued their studies and clinched positions in exams despite the current adverse circumstances. He expressed hope that the children will consistently focus their attention on studies and prove to be shining stars of FATA in the future.

FATA Additional Chief Secretary Fida Wazir, Social Sector Secretary Yousaf Raheem, Education Director Hashim Khan, Education Additional Director Muhammad Abbas Khan, heads of UNICEF and UNDP and concerned officials of the FATA Secretariat were also present on the occasion.