Chitralis Demands for Cadet College – Written by: Dur Wali Khan
Chitral had been a princely state under British Control till 1947 and the people of Chitral had been deprived from receiving education till 1926. Chitral state was the first state, announced to join Pakistan in 1947 unconditionally due to independent movement of the people of Chitral and in 1969, Chitral merged as a district of KP province. But Chitral has been kept deprived from basic facilities, like road, quality education, electricity, health facility etc even after joining Pakistan, even today you will not find 30 % metal road in Chitral.
First time in the history of Chitral, Mehtar Chitral Shujaul Mulk comparatively an open minded ruler established a state primary school in Chitral town in 1926 for general public to receive education. Later on the school was upgraded to Middle level in1936 by Mehtar Nasirul Mulk. This school played a vital role in promoting education in Chitral. My elder brother Col (R) Ikram Ullah Khan also received his matric education from this school and topped in Malakond division in matric board exam 1971 under Intermediate and Secondary Education Board Peshawar.
Now, Chitral comprises of two districts namely Lower and Upper Chitral having population of about nine lacs. Although, the literacy rate in Chitral is high as compare to other districts of KP province, credit goes to both government and Aga Khan Schools, but Chitral has lack of quality educational institution to meet the growing demand of quality education, while there is no dearth of talented youths in our beloved Chitral to excel if provides conducive learning environment.
Education system of any country is considered to be the most important system, which shapes the future of its nation. But unfortunately, there is no uniform education system in our beloved country with clear and defined national goals and requirements to provide equal educational opportunities to all children to grow together. Though providing free and quality education to all children is the prime responsibility of state, but state badly failed to fulfil its responsibility.
Nelson Mandela says that “education is the most powerful weapon, we can use to change the World”. Our armed forces wisely used this weapon to bring about visible change in the field of education in the Country. Now, Pakistan has a well reputed cadet college system (managed by Pak Army) all over the country except Chitral districts. Parents prefer these institutes more because of providing quality education, focusing on physical fitness, discipline and laying emphasis on character building of students. So, being patriotic, it is a dream of every young Pakistani to join the armed forces to serve the country.
By nature Chitrali people love to serve the country by joining Military and Paramilitary forces. Many soldiers and Officers from Chitral have sacrificed their lives fighting bravely against enemies and terrorist attacks and earned good name for the country.
Keeping in view the great services and sacrifices of lives of Chitrali Jawans and Officers.
We, the people of Chitral appeal to Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir and Core Commander Peshawar to grand approval of two Cadet Colleges one for Lower and one for Upper Chitral districts to impart world class education to our children along with providing scientific knowledge and skills to groom children creative minds for a better understanding of the modern world. So that our young generations should successfully move into mainstream of our society with updated knowledge, skills, innovation and sense of responsibility to lead the country and institutions as visionary leaders.
Although, Chitral has two private quality educational institutions one for boys and one for girls managed by AKESP Chitral, which is not sufficient to meet the growing demand of quality education. These institutions (AK Higher Secondary Schools) focus on multi learning approaches (interactive learning) to make students an independent learners with conceptual understanding, required updated knowledge and skills to move into mainstream of our society to lead nation successfully.
We are optimistic that our Chief of Army Staff would take our genuine request seriously and would give the gift of Cadet Colleges for Chitrali nation too as down districts of the country have already been enjoying this facility since 1954.
