Fundraiser for blast-hit Paktia University launched

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): A youth group has launched a fundraiser for reconstruction of the university in southeastern Paktia province after a heavy explosion badly damaged the campus in Gardez, the provincial capital.

The suicide and gun attack on the police headquarters in Gardez left 41 people, including the provincial police chief, dead and some 200 others, mostly civilians, wounded on October 17.

The hours-long and multipronged attack also damaged several buildings including the university.

A group, Teri Youths Association, has started collecting donations from people and drivers entering or leaving Gardez.

The association says they plan to take the fundraising campaign to the interior city and businessmen.

Ahmadullah Ahmadi, head of the association, told Pajhwok Afghan News that their aim was to improve people’s interest in education and welfare activities and motivate them to help themselves.

“This drive will also send a message to government officials that Paktia residents have a special interest in education,” he said.

Ahmadi said they had collected 200,000 afghanis so far as the fundraiser continued.

“Alhamdulillah, our people have the will to support academic places and this campaign would further empower that spirit, we also voice on officials to pay attention,” he said.

Zar Wali Khan, a member of the association who collects donations, said people helped the drive beyond their expectations.

“Trust me, our people show a very strong love when they hear the name of university, even day laborers are donating money, we also give a receive-cheque to drivers, some people donate more money,” he said.

Dr. Sayed Wali Jalalzai, chancellor of Paktia University, said the university building suffered 18 million afghanis losses in the blast.

He said the Ministry of Higher Education had provided only eight million afghanis which was not enough for the reconstruction of the university building.

Jalalzai was happy about the youths’ fundraiser for the university and said people’s interest in education development had increased compared to the past.

mds/ma