Islamabad, November 8, 2024 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday laid the foundation stone of Ramday University, which will be built in Thagos, district Ghanche of Gilgit-Baltistan. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Islamabad and marks the establishment of a major educational institution in the remote region.
The university is being developed through a Trust, with construction funded by donations from overseas Pakistanis. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his congratulations to Justice (retd) Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday and all those involved in the project.
“This collective effort has laid the foundation for a brighter future for the children of Gilgit-Baltistan,” said the prime minister. He emphasized the significance of setting up a higher education institution in Ghanche, an area at an altitude of 11,000 feet, as a major step towards improving educational access and quality in the region.
Highlighting the role of private sector contributions, PM Shehbaz praised their impact on educational development in Pakistan and noted that graduates from private institutions have excelled across various fields. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the development and welfare of Gilgit-Baltistan’s people, mentioning his recent initiatives, including the provision of homes to 62 flood-affected families and the launch of a 100-megawatt solar energy project to meet the region’s electricity needs.
In his address, Justice (retd) Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday shared details about the university’s development, noting that it will be built on a 200-kanal land area and offer programs in environmental studies, climate change, hydrology, minerals, and more. He described Ramday University as one of the highest-altitude universities globally, underscoring its unique location and educational aspirations.
The ceremony also featured a performance of the national anthem by students from the Asfandyar Wali School in Ghanche, who joined the event via video link.
