On Saturday, Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Esa Khel district in Mianwali to inaugurate the work on multiple development projects. He addressed the students at Cadet College Esa Khel at the launch of a new hostel building. Later, he laid the ground for the “Knowledge City” project in Namal Institute, and inaugurated a Polio campaign that is to run until the end of October.
At Cadet College Esa Khel, the Prime Minister inaugurated a new hostel building and delivered an address to the students.
In his address, he spoke about the importance of the rule of law, saying: “Upholding law and order was a significant constituent of Riyasat-e-Madinah.”
He also preached the importance of an empathetic society, claiming that: “Systems built on cruelty are devoid of blessings.”
The Prime Minister also attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the Namal Knowledge City Phase 1 as a chief guest. The plan for this project, first announced in August, is designed by American architect Tony Ashai. The first phase of the City is to complete by 2023.
Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister announced that up to 10,000 students from remote, marginalized areas would benefit from the institute. He also emphasised the environment-friendly and “state-of the art green structure” of the project, conveying immense gratitude towards its donors. He expressed his desire to see the institute become an “internationally renowned centre of excellence.”
In his speech, he focused on the importance of education for Pakistan’s youth, and stressed upon the significance of avenues that offer affordable yet high-quality education.
“Good education lays the foundation for a tolerant and progressive society,” he said.
During his visit, the Prime Minister also observed World Polio Day by launching a Polio campaign at Esa Khel. He inaugurated the campaign, which is to run from 26th to 31st October 2020, by administering Polio vaccine drops to a young child.
He further announced a project for the provision of clean water supply in the region, particularly the Khattak belt. This project is to cost PKR 3.2 billion, of which 80 percent would be funded by the Federal government and 20 percent by the Punjab government. The project aims to provide up to 3.4 million gallons of clean water to 87 villages and 151 settlements, comprising a population of around 250,000.
The water supply project is to run on solar energy, and would provide a surplus supply of at least three months’ worth of water to be used in dry season.
During the event, the Prime Minister was briefed on other development initiatives ongoing in the region, including increasing the infrastructural capacity of schools and hospitals. The Prime Minister said that special attention must be paid to education for women and girls.
He talked about offering protection to those from weaker segments of society, and ensuring that the poor populations are not exploited. He also defended the appointment of Usman Buzdar as Chief Minister Punjab by claiming that those who live in “palaces” can never understand the realities of those living in “backward areas.”
While speaking, the Prime Minister focused on the importance of high-quality education for the youth of Pakistan, and reiterated his commitment to providing basic rights and amenities to all citizens.
