SKARDU: The government is set to take a major step toward promoting sports and digital education in Gilgit-Baltistan as the groundbreaking ceremony for a state-of-the-art sports complex in Skardu is scheduled for July 28. The project, funded under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), will be formally inaugurated by the Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC), reflecting the federal government’s commitment to uplifting remote and underserved regions of the country.
The construction of the sports complex in Skardu aims to address the long-standing need for recreational and athletic infrastructure in the Baltistan region. Once completed, the complex will provide local youth with access to quality sports facilities, encouraging greater participation in physical activities and potentially nurturing future talent for regional and national competitions. The initiative is part of a broader government policy that seeks to integrate youth engagement through sports with overall development strategies in the northern areas.
As part of the same development package, ten selected government schools across the Baltistan Division will be gifted high-quality sports kits and tracksuits. This step is designed to promote physical education at the grassroots level, particularly in public schools that often lack access to proper sports resources. By providing these essentials, the Ministry of IPC aims to cultivate a culture of healthy living, physical fitness, and team spirit among students from an early age.
In a parallel effort to enhance digital literacy in the region, all ten schools will also be equipped with fully operational Information Technology (IT) labs. These labs will include modern computer systems, internet connectivity, and educational software aimed at providing students with digital learning tools that match national and global standards. The introduction of IT infrastructure in Baltistan’s schools is expected to significantly improve the quality of education and expand learning opportunities for students in remote areas.
Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Secretary of the IPC Division, has played a key role in planning and overseeing these initiatives. He emphasized the importance of investing in both the physical and intellectual development of youth. According to him, the simultaneous launch of sports and IT facilities reflects a forward-looking approach to regional development—one that combines traditional values with modern opportunities. “We believe that real development is achieved when we invest in the potential of our children. This integrated initiative in Baltistan is a step toward building a smarter, healthier generation,” he said.
The dual initiatives have been warmly received by the local community in Skardu and education officials across the Baltistan Division. Teachers and school administrators see the provision of IT labs as a transformative step in making education more interactive, engaging, and relevant. Similarly, the provision of sports equipment is expected to spark enthusiasm among students and help schools organize structured physical education programs.
Local residents view the upcoming July 28 event as more than a ceremonial milestone. For many, it is a sign that the region is finally being integrated into the national development narrative. They hope that such initiatives will continue to expand and become part of a long-term strategy to ensure balanced development across all provinces and territories of Pakistan.
As the date approaches, anticipation is growing among students, educators, and the general public. The launch of the Skardu Sports Complex and the simultaneous support to ten schools marks a new beginning for youth empowerment in Baltistan—through both physical strength and digital literacy.
