G-B CM seeks Rs1 billion to establish endowment fund for varsities

GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan has penned down a letter to Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif requesting the transfer of Rs1 billion from the Gilgit-Baltistan Council’s funds to the G-B government for the establishment of an endowment fund for universities.

In his letter, the Chief Minister highlighted the severe financial challenges faced by Karakoram International University (KIU) and Baltistan University. He expressed his gratitude for the Prime Minister’s commitment to improving literacy rates across Pakistan, particularly in neglected areas such as Gilgit-Baltistan, and sought his intervention to address the financial issues of these premier institutions.

Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan pointed out that KIU, established under a Presidential Order in 2002, serves more than 10,000 students from various districts of the region through its main campus in Gilgit and three sub-campuses in Hunza, Ghizer, and Diamer.

He said despite its significant role in higher education, the university has been struggling financially due to the stagnation of its annual grant from the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, which has remained at Rs430 million since 2018, which amount is insufficient to cover operational expenses and maintain academic standards. Similarly, he said, Baltistan University is facing a severe financial crisis, with expenditures far exceeding its resources.

“The expenditure is far more than the resources and facing a severe financial crisis. Furthermore, the university administration has approached the Govt. of Gilgit-Baltistan with the request to address its financial issues,” reads the letter.

Gulbar Khan emphasized the inability of the Gilgit-Baltistan government to provide financial assistance due to its limited resources, which are primarily dependent on federal grants. He conveyed the urgency of establishing an endowment fund as a strategic investment to ensure the financial sustainability of higher education in the region. He said the fund would help the universities achieve financial autonomy and maintain academic excellence, which is crucial for the development of the region.

Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who serves as the Chairman of the GB Council, to issue directives for the transfer of Rs 1 billion from the GB Council funds to the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan for the establishment of an endowment fund for universities of the region.

He emphasized that this initiative would not only alleviate the financial burdens of the universities but also contribute significantly to regional development and academic growth.

The Chief Minister hoped that with the Prime Minister’s support and guidance, the financial issues of the universities in Gilgit-Baltistan would be effectively addressed.

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It is to be mentioned here that the KIU Syndicate had decided to shut down its sub-campuses in Chilas, Ghizer, and Hunza last month due to financial constraints, jeopardising the future of 1,500 students and over 100 staff members. The decision led to widespread protests in the said districts. The university later withdrew the decision, asking for government support.