QUETTA: Balochistan Education Minister Shafiq Ahmed Khan on Wednesday said the October 29 earthquake destroyed 98 per cent educational institutions in Ziarat, 50 per cent in Loralai and Pishin and 25 per cent in Quetta.

Talking to APP here, the minister said the destruction of the educational institutions is a big blow to education which was already in ruined condition. He said in a meeting due on Nov 21 with Faryal Talpur he would take up the issue and demand funds for the damaged schools and promotion of education in the province.

The repair work of the damaged schools cannot be started at the moment due to extremely cold weather and shortage of funds. The minister said during the last four months he ordered establishment of four intermediate boards instead of the previous one and held surprise visits of educational institutions of all districts. During these visits more than 3,500 ghost teachers were dug out and sacked. He assured that textbooks would be available in all districts by end February and the DCO and DEO Education would be responsible for distribution of these books.