Education System in Gilgit Baltistan – Transformation, Barriers and Way Forward

 Introduction

       Education is the foundation on which nations build their identity, progress, and future strength. At the northern edge of Pakistan, surrounded by icy peaks and valleys, lies Gilgit Baltistan (GB) — a region cherished for its natural charm and cultural richness. Beyond tourism and scenery, one of the greatest silent revolutions in this region has been the gradual rise of education. What once began with informal learning in mosques and community gatherings has now shifted toward formal schooling, universities, teacher-training programs and digital learning spaces. Today, education in GB symbolizes hope, social empowerment, and opportunity.

Historical Background – Early Beginnings of Education

          

           Before the 1970s, structured schooling was almost non-existent in many parts of Gilgit Baltistan. Most villages lacked classrooms, students walked kilometers on rugged terrain, and learning largely depended on religious teachers. After the creation of Pakistan, the government and tribal/community elders slowly introduced basic schools.

A turning point came when the Aga Khan Education Service (AKES) began establishing community-based schools, particularly encouraging girls' education. This single movement reshaped mindsets, increased literacy awareness, and inspired families to invest in schooling. By the late 1990s, secondary schools, teaching colleges and learning centers began to spread — allowing children to study within their own region instead of migrating elsewhere.

Present Landscape – Literacy and Access

      According to recent estimates, Gilgit Baltistan ranks among Pakistan’s leading regions in terms of early-grade enrollment and student attendance.

Overview of Current Indicators:

Category

Estimated Status

Overall Literacy Rate

~66%

Female Literacy Rate

~51%

Male Literacy Rate

~76%

Number of Schools

2,500+ (public + private)

Higher Education Institutes

Karakoram International University (main + sub-campuses), University of Baltistan

          Despite growth, areas such as Astore, Shigar, Gojal, Kharmang, Shimshal, and Upper Hunza still face major gaps in access, particularly where terrain and weather conditions make school attendance extremely difficult.

Structure of Educational Institutions

Education in GB is delivered through two parallel systems:

Public Sector Schools

Government schools are widespread and affordable. However, many face issues including insufficient teachers, lack of science laboratories, damaged or temporary classrooms, and no heating facilities during winter.

Private and NGO-Led Institutions

Some of the most successful schools are run by:

AKES – Aga Khan Education Service

Army Public School System

Private Academies

Community-owned village schools

These institutions generally show better academic output and infrastructure. Yet, the financial burden of fees often prevents poor households from enrolling their children.

Higher Education – A New Chapter

Until the early 2000s, students from GB often travelled to major cities like Islamabad and Lahore in search of colleges and universities. The establishment of Karakoram International University (KIU) and Baltistan University marked a historic milestone.

Offered Programs Include:

Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees

Teacher-training and professional development programs

Engineering, Business, IT, Social Sciences and Arts

Research departments focused on Mountain Studies, Climate Change, Tourism and Glaciology

These institutions are now producing graduates who are actively contributing to government sectors, entrepreneurship, NGOs, and tourism — strengthening the local economy.

Challenges Blocking Educational Progress

Despite visible improvements, several long-standing obstacles remain:

Insufficient Infrastructure

Rural schools often operate in temporary buildings with broken walls, limited classrooms and no heating — harsh especially during GB’s long winter.

Teacher Shortage

Due to limited salaries and career opportunities, qualified teachers frequently leave the region, creating a lack of trained staff.

Gender-Based Gaps

In remote areas, many girls discontinue studies because schools are too far, safety concerns exist, or conservative family rules restrict movement.

Poverty and Financial Burden

Uniforms, notebooks, school bags and transportation costs continue to hold thousands of students back.

Climate-Related Disruptions

Snowfall, storms and landslides periodically block access to schools and damage infrastructure.

Role of Communities and NGOs – Driving Force Behind Growth

One of the most powerful contributors to GB’s educational development is its people. Local communities donate land, contribute labor and funds, and even voluntarily build school rooms.

Key supportive organizations include:

Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)

UNICEF and partnered programs

Local community-based school systems

Their involvement has introduced computer labs, trained teachers, built libraries and encouraged parents — particularly for girls' schooling.

Success Stories – Talent That Speaks

Gilgit Baltistan has produced many individuals who earned national and international recognition:

Students who won top positions in national science and math competitions

Female mountaineers from GB who became global icons

Students who secured distinctions across national education boards

Such achievements prove that the region holds extraordinary talent — it simply requires support and opportunity.

Essential Reforms for the Future

To ensure lasting impact, the following enhancements are crucial:

Increase annual government funding for education

Build middle and high schools in isolated valleys

Provide scholarships for deserving and female students

Introduce digital classrooms and internet access

Improve teacher-training systems and salaries

Expand vocational and skills-training centers

Strengthen research departments in universities

If these measures are implemented consistently, Gilgit Baltistan has the potential to become a national model of educational excellence.

Why Education Matters for the Youth

Education helps the youth of GB gain:

Employment and financial stability

Better quality of life and healthcare awareness

Social equality and empowerment

Skills for tourism, technology and entrepreneurship

A stronger voice in community development

For a mountainous region dependent on tourism, agriculture and climate-linked challenges, education is the most powerful survival tool.

Conclusion

        Gilgit Baltistan’s educational journey reflects a shift from scarce learning opportunities to an expanding culture of literacy, academics and research. While many hurdles still exist, the determination of local communities — paired with NGO support and government reforms — continues to reshape the future.

Education is not merely about classrooms or books — it is the light that illuminates valleys, empowers people, and builds generations capable of change. With steady investment and vision, GB is on track to become one of Pakistan’s strongest education regions.