The prolonged delay in the inauguration of the Dhoke Dalal Government Post Graduate Girls College due to political reason has jeopardised the future of pupils.
According to sources, the closure is particularly striking given the substantial investment of Rs470 million made in the institution's infrastructure, which includes the purchase of two buses for student transport, construction projects, furniture, computers, and a medical laboratory.
The facility is in dire need of renovation to finally open its doors to students.
Originally set to launch in August 2022, the college was founded by former interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in 2021 and is designed to accommodate 1,000 students. However, following a governmental transition in April 2022, the project was abruptly halted, leaving the newly constructed building unutilised. Over time, the vacant premises have become a refuge for wildlife such as bats, cats, and mice, while valuable laboratory equipment has faced deterioration and theft. The delay has also resulted in a dramatic 300 per cent increase in renovation costs, compounding the challenges facing the institution.
The college, occupying an area of 4.5 kanals, was constructed at a cost of Rs 345 million, which covered essential services like plastering, plumbing, and electrical wiring. Two specialised laboratories for computer and medical studies were established at an additional expense of Rs85 million. To further enhance the learning environment, furniture worth Rs50 million was procured. The investment also included two buses, aimed at facilitating student transportation to and from the college.
This institution stands out in Punjab as a modern educational facility, featuring contemporary lifts alongside staircases, enabling easier access for students and faculty to classrooms located on the third and fourth floors. The renovation budget was initially set at Rs30 million, with an anticipated completion date of June 30, 2022. However, the change in government led to a withdrawal of funds, leaving the project in a state of uncertainty.
The college was envisioned to alleviate the long-standing admission issues for female students in Rawalpindi. Sheikh Rashid Shafiq, former federal parliamentary secretary, highlighted the importance of this welfare project and called on the current government to facilitate its progress. He suggested that the college could be named after a notable political figure and stressed that once the finishing touches are made, new admissions could commence within two months.
Meanwhile, Engineer Qamarul Islam, Chairman of the District Coordination Development Committee, assured that every effort would be made to facilitate admissions next year. He committed to addressing the existing obstacles and advancing the completion of the college project. A comprehensive briefing with the college directorate is planned to pave the way for the long-awaited commencement of the educational institution.
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