The construction of the historic Karakoram Highway in Pakistan began in the 1960s, with engineers from the Pakistan Army risking their lives to star the gigantic work. The engineers were flown to China to survey and create a dirt road, starting their descent towards Pakistan from there.
Approximately 55 km from the Khunjerab Top, there is a village called Sost, which marks the last human habitation along the highway. The population of Sost is around 2,500 people, and the village is situated at an altitude of over 9,131 feet above sea level. Beyond this point, even the birds struggle to breathe, which explains their absence in the area.
In the 1960s, Prince Karim Aga Khan visited the remote Gilgit-Baltistan region. Recognizing the importance of education for its people, his predecessor, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, established the first Aga Khan School in 1946, prioritizing education, especially for girls. Prince Karim Aga Khan continued this legacy and significantly improved the literacy rate in the region, transforming the lives of those who endured harsh conditions. The positive impact of education can be observed in the lifestyle and personal development of the people of this region.
Remarkably, not only Sost but the entire Hunza region now boasts a literacy rate of almost 100%. This achievement demonstrates the value placed on knowledge and education, benefiting both the individuals, families and the region. The Aga Khan University and its affiliated institutions have implemented various programs, including the Professional Development Center, which has played a crucial role in enhancing the skills of teachers in Gilgit-Baltistan. It attained momentum after the arrival of Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin as the new President of AKU. These initiatives have instilled a progressive mindset and enhanced the understanding of millions of individuals and families in the region.
Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin prioritizes education in the underprivileged areas. He follows the vision of Aga Khan and believes that an educated society plays a key role in the country’s and the nation’s development. The educational opportunities provided by the Aga Khan have resulted in a remarkable transformation, enabling youth from this region to grow across Pakistan and contribute to various fields, even in the challenging environments. These talented individuals not only receive education but also work tirelessly for the betterment and welfare of their society.
The Aga Khan University and its subsidiaries, supporting the government, have brought about an educational revolution in Gilgit-Baltistan, including in Sost, making it the most advanced education system in the country. The region has surpassed others in terms of literacy rate. I believe that the government of Pakistan will eventually adopt Aga Khan’s effective education model and apply it nationwide. The Aga Khan University and its affiliated institutions would be willing to support efforts to improve education standards in schools across the country.
Adopting these models can enhance the quality of education in other provinces and extend the educational progress of Gilgit-Baltistan to other regions of Pakistan. The people of Gilgit-Baltistan, from different faiths, including Shias, Sunnis, and Deobandis, demonstrate a commendable dedication to education. They contribute to school welfare through donations from mosques of all sects and places of worship, promoting education for children of all backgrounds. This is the testimony of pluralism.
The Aga Khan himself generously donates to educational institutions, with among others, Diamond Jubilee Schools in Hunza playing a significant role in increasing the literacy rate. Training youth with these principles will instill unwavering dedication to serving the country and nation. The Aga Khan University’s educational concept serves as a beacon for the 120 million youth of Pakistan, strengthening the educational landscape. The Diamond Jubilee schools in Hunza showcase Aga Khan’s commitment to improving literacy rates, and these institutions empower young minds and promote educational trends.
The Aga Khan University and its subsidiaries lead by providing education and training, also supporting government educational institutions. This creates a new generation equipped with education and devotion to their communities and the country. These strong educational forces can change Pakistan’s destiny if such blueprints are followed, bringing about a revolution through the power of education.
The government should take advantage of Aga Khan’s successful efforts in education. This will ensure that schools across the country achieve the same educational standards as the Diamond Jubilee schools, improving the quality of life for the people.
Religious places in Gilgit-Baltistan, have become social institutions that promote education and contribute to the welfare of schools. The Aga Khan’s long-term planning in education showcases his unwavering commitment and has gained recognition from people of all walks of life. Education empowers individuals and promotes societal development. Equipping the Muslim nation with education is essential to restore its lost power, reflecting the essence of Islamic education as highlighted in the first Quranic revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), emphasizing the importance of reading: “Read: In the Name of your Lord, who created.”
It could be an inspiration for the government of Pakistan to embrace these successful education models. By doing so, we can envision a Pakistan where the youth are equipped with the essential tools to shape their own destinies, with education taking precedence. This will foster an educational atmosphere that surpasses regional and communal divisions, cultivating a nation committed to lifelong learning. Such a nation will be prepared to confront future challenges from every angle with unwavering determination.
