RAWALPINDI:
Critical educational development projects remain stalled as the year nears its end due to severe economic constraints in Rawalpindi district.
The Rawalpindi Universities Directorate had proposed 14 projects worth Rs 2.36 billion to address persistent admission problems and improve facilities in public universities.
These projects included the improvement of laboratories and libraries, the establishment of four new universities, the completion of the long-delayed Postgraduate College for Girls in Dhok Dalal, the construction of new buildings for two universities and the addition of halls, auditoriums and computer laboratories to eight existing institutions.
However, the economic crisis has kept these plans in limbo, delaying progress by more than a year and inflating the total cost by one billion rupees.
The Postgraduate College for Girls in Dhok Dalal, a four-storey structure nearing completion, has remained abandoned for three years due to the construction halt, despite millions having already been spent. Similarly, the proposal to build four new universities at Kauntrila (Gujar Khan), Rakh Sarkar (Rawalpindi), Karor (Kotli Sattian) and Murree, initially estimated at Rs 900 crore, has been postponed.
The delay has pushed the projected cost to Rs 1,100 crore, driven by rising material prices.
Plans to construct new university buildings in Chakri and Tehsil Kahuta also face a similar fate.
It is now estimated that the original allocation of Rs 280 million will require Rs 350 million, putting even more pressure on resources.
Other projects including a multi-purpose hall for Girls College Khayaban-e-Sir Syed worth Rs 50 million, an academic block for Chak Beli Khan College worth Rs 180 million and a bachelor’s block at Women College Gujar Khan worth Rs 150 crore, remain unfunded.
Proposals for a computer lab at Women Girls College Dhoke Ratta Amral, a boundary wall for Girls College Sunny Bank Murree and halls for colleges at Kallar Syedan and Daulatala Tehsil Gujar have also been filed.
Not a single new university was established in Rawalpindi this year, aggravating the student admission crisis in government institutions.
The shortage of universities has left students with few options as those who secure first, second and even third division marks in matric often face rejection due to high merit lists.
As a result, many students, unable to gain admission to public universities, are forced to discontinue their education or turn to private institutions.
The growing population in Rawalpindi division has further exacerbated the admission crisis, with demand for educational facilities far outstripping supply.
The Teaching Professors Association has urged the authorities to prioritize building at least one postgraduate school in every tehsil to ease the pressure on the existing system.
