Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the development of Gilgit-Baltistan and the welfare of its people are among the top priorities of the government.

He was addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ramday University in Islamabad today [Thursday].

The Ramday University will be established in Thagas area of Ghanche district in Gilgit-Baltistan. It will function under the Ramday Trust and its construction will be completed with the cooperation of overseas Pakistanis and various individuals from across Pakistan.

The Prime Minister congratulated Justice retired Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday and his associates for setting up the Ramday University. He also commended all the institutions and individuals for their cooperation in the establishment of the university.

Shehbaz Sharif said the establishment of a higher education institution in the remote area of Ghanche is highly commendable. He expressed the confidence that this university established at an altitude of 11,000 feet in Thagas will achieve high standards in modern sciences and research.

The Prime Minister also appreciated the private sector for its role in the promotion of education in Pakistan. He said students, graduated from the private educational institutions, have made Pakistan proud in every field.

Highlighting Federal Government's efforts for the development of Gilgit-Baltistan, Shehbaz Sharif said 62 flood-affected families of the area were provided housing facilities during his yesterday's visit to the region. He said a 100-megawatt solar power projects has been initiated in Gilgit-Baltistan to meet the electricity needs of the area.

He further said Gilgit-Baltistan Education Endowment Fund was announced, which will benefit talented and deserving students of the area and enable them to contribute to Pakistan's development as vibrant members of society.

Briefing about the university, Justice retired Khalil-ur-Rehman Ramday said the Ramday University will be established on 200 kanals of land in Thagas, District Ghanche. He said this university will be one of the highest-altitude universities in the world.

It was told that the university will offer education in diverse subjects, including environmental and climate change, hydrology, and minerals.