University Road Skardu: Major Upgrade Begins | Shyok Times
University Road Skardu: Major Breakthrough as Governor Launches Project
SKARDU, October 29, 2026 — University Road Skardu has taken an important step towards improvement as Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah inaugurated the road project connecting Samawar Chowk to the University of Baltistan. The development follows longstanding demands from students, faculty members, university officials and local residents for improved road access to the institution.
The inauguration marks a significant development for the academic community in Skardu, where road conditions have been a persistent concern for people travelling to and from the university. However, residents and students have urged the provincial government to provide the necessary funds so that the project can be completed as soon as possible.
Governor Inaugurates University Road Skardu Project
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Commissioner Skardu, senior officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), representatives of the Skardu Development Authority, local residents and members of the education community.
Following the inauguration at Samawar Chowk, Governor Syed Mehdi Shah visited the University of Baltistan, where the university administration organised a ceremony to mark the occasion. Participants were briefed on the technical aspects and progress of the road project.
The proposed improvement is expected to make travel to the university more convenient and improve accessibility for students, faculty members, university employees and visitors.
Vice Chancellor Welcomes the Development
Addressing the gathering, University of Baltistan Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdul Mateen welcomed the governor and other distinguished guests, describing the road project as an important milestone for the institution.
He said improved road infrastructure would help address the transportation difficulties experienced by students and faculty members in their daily journeys to the university.
The vice chancellor appreciated Governor Syed Mehdi Shah for his interest and efforts towards securing approval and advancing the project. He also acknowledged the contribution of Registrar Dr. Mir Alam in pursuing the initiative.
The university administration expressed hope that the project would be completed promptly, providing lasting benefits to the academic community and the surrounding population.
Governor Calls Education a Priority for Gilgit-Baltistan
In his concluding address, Governor Syed Mehdi Shah emphasised the importance of the University of Baltistan and infrastructure development for the region's future.
He described the university as a priority and stressed that resolving its challenges was essential to supporting students and strengthening higher education in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The governor said education remained a key pathway to employment, economic progress and better opportunities for young people, particularly in a region where large-scale industrial and manufacturing opportunities are limited.
He also recalled his earlier commitment regarding the university road, stating that he had promised not to visit the institution until the road issue was addressed. He said the inauguration and his visit reflected the fulfilment of that commitment.
The governor urged the university administration to maintain discipline on campus and advised students to focus on their education and academic responsibilities.
Provincial Government Urged to Release Funds
While the inauguration has been welcomed by the people of Skardu and the university community, residents say the project must now move towards timely completion.
The provincial government has been urged to allocate and release the required funds to ensure that the road improvement work proceeds without unnecessary delays.
For students and university employees, a properly completed road could improve daily commuting, accessibility and the overall experience of reaching the campus. Local residents may also benefit from better connectivity in the surrounding area.
The key concern now is ensuring that the project progresses beyond its inauguration and delivers the intended improvements. Timely funding, effective implementation and appropriate monitoring will be important to achieving that objective.
The people of Skardu have appreciated the efforts of all individuals who contributed to bringing the project forward and called for continued cooperation among the relevant authorities.
Ceremony Highlights University Community
The ceremony was conducted by Lecturer Wazeer Aftab Hussain. Hafiz Nawaz Ali, a student in the Department of Botany, recited verses from the Holy Quran, while Hassan Khan of the Department of Zoology presented a Naat in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The event brought together government officials, university representatives, faculty members, students and local residents around a development issue of shared importance.
For the University of Baltistan community, the inauguration represents an encouraging step towards resolving a longstanding infrastructure concern. The next priority is the timely provision of funds and completion of the work so that students, staff and residents can benefit from improved road access.
For official information about the institution, visit the University of Baltistan website. For government updates and departmental information, visit the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan website.
