Investment: Foundation of Education City laid

Education City aims to provide a centre which will bring together the best intellect both locally and from abroad.

KARACHI: Spread over an area of 9,000 acres in Deh Chuhar, Karachi, Education City aims to provide a centre of excellence which will bring together the best intellect both locally and from abroad as well as to provide an environment most conducive to learning.

The Education City project is the manifestation of the vision of Benazir Bhutto, stated Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah at the foundation-stone laying ceremony of Education City’s administration enclave at the CM House on Saturday. Guests included cabinet ministers, advisers, senior government functionaries, foreign delegates and academics. The Sindh Board of Investment was given the task of implementing this project. It will offer a blend of junior schooling, higher learning as well as educational and vocational training. It will house renowned educational institutions from Pakistan and all around the world to provide a range of exciting and challenging programmes that meet the needs of students who wish to study abroad.

The target number of institutions is 50 to 70, housing an estimated population of 150,000 students.

The topographical survey of the land has been completed. A satellite image has already been obtained to check for any fresh encroachment.

A draft Education City Act has has been prepared by board and will be given a final stamp of approval by stakeholders. One billion rupees has been allocated in the provincial budget for 2010-11 for educational progress.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2010.