HATTIAN BALA (Kashmir English): The Read Foundation has officially upgraded its high school in Chhattiyan to the status of a science college. A grand inauguration ceremony was held in Hattian Bala, attended by a large number of students, parents, teachers, and community leaders.
Ameer Jamaat-e-Islami Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, Dr. Raja Muhammad Mushtaq Khan, was the chief guest. Alongside him were the Regional Manager of Read Foundation, Hameedullah Khokhar, Deputy Manager Sajid Hussain Awan, and several principals from surrounding areas.
The ceremony began with a ribbon-cutting, followed by an exhibition of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics system models developed by the students. The innovative and scientific work amazed the audience. Students also performed colourful programs, patriotic songs, tableaus, and educational skits, receiving much applause.
While addressing the ceremony, Dr. Raja Muhammad Mushtaq Khan stated, “that establishing a modern science college in a remote area like Chhattiyan is nothing short of an educational revolution, and it wasn’t achieved by the government, but by a non-governmental, charitable organisation working independently.”
He highlighted that the Read Foundation started its journey from a one-room primary school and has now become a centre for modern science and technology education.
He heavily criticised the government of Azad Kashmir, saying that despite having a five-billion-rupee education budget, thousands of schools in the region have dilapidated or non-existent buildings. Children are forced to study under the open sky while government ministers’ children attend elite private schools. He urged the public to support genuine initiatives like the Read Foundation and reject corrupt governance in the next elections.
Regional Manager Hameedullah Khokhar emphasised that the Read Foundation sees education as a mission, not a business. “We are committed to merit, transparency, and providing modern education even in underserved regions,” he said.
Currently, over 6,000 teachers are serving under the Read Foundation platform, and thousands of students have already stepped successfully into professional life.
Regional Manager Hameedullah Khokhar, in his speech, said that the people of Chhattiyan have truly received the gift of education today. He noted that Red Foundation, without any government aid, is bringing an educational revolution that sets an example for the state education system. “We see education not as a business, but as worship,” he said. “We believe in merit, transparency, and equal opportunity, and our institutions reflect that belief.”
The event also featured speeches from Deputy Manager Sajid Hussain Awan, Principal Raja Rafiqat Ali Khan (Saran), Principal Raja Nadeem (Chinnari), Basheer Hussain Awan, and Rizwan Khokhar. The ceremony concluded with praise for the Read Foundation’s achievements and prayers for national security and the martyrs.
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