Promoting education: Canadian envoy reaffirms support to Pakistan, AJK

Hands over five rebuilt schools to AJK govt.

MUZAFFARABAD:

The Canadian government has pledged to complete the construction of 37 school buildings at a cost of Rs2 billion in earthquake-hit areas of Garhi Dupatta and Hattian in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) by the end of this year.

This was said by Canadian High Commissioner Greg Giokas while addressing the handing-over ceremony of five schools in Lawasi, Garhi Dupatta, some 30 kilometres from here on Tuesday. He handed over five school buildings to AJK Minister for Works Chaudhry Rashid.

Giokas said the constructions of the buildings that were damaged during the devastating 2005 earthquake, was ample proof of strong relations between Canada, Pakistan and AJK. “We will continue to support the governments of Pakistan and AJK for the promotion of education,” the envoy stated.



The construction of quake-resistant school buildings in Hattian and Garhi Dupatta is aimed at providing safe and secure atmosphere for schoolchildren, Giokas added.

“Chinar (maple) is the national tree of Kashmir while maple leaf is also part of Canada’s national flag and this emblem will boost our friendship,” the envoy remarked.

Giokas was accompanied by Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) Director-General Brig. (retd) Ihsanullah, State Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (SERRA) Secretary Sardar Rahim Khan and other government officials.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 2^nd, 2013.