March 27, 2006	Monday	Safar 26, 1427

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SIALKOT, March 26: The district education authorities have expressed their inability to re-open the several closed local government girls primary schools in Bajwat’s far-off villages along the working boundary. Requesting anonymity, some higher education officials said: “We are unable to re-open the primary schools due to large-scale political interference.”

They said no teacher was ready to work in these schools situated at far-flung areas.

“If we appoint some teachers there, we are forced by local politicians to cancel their appointments.”

When contacted, Sialkot EDO (Education) Dr Saifullah Cheema avoided to make any comments in this regard.

On the other hand, scores of villagers, including women and children, have strongly protested against the prolonged closure of these schools and demanded their immediate re-opening.

Talking to Dawn here, they said they were being denied even primary education facilities.

Reports said more than six government girls primary schools at Papeen, Jog, Khanu Bhau, Beli Minhasaan, Bheince and Ghazipura villages had been closed by the district education department owing to non-availability of teachers and the dilapidating buildings. These schools had been established during the tenure of prime minister Muhammad Khan Jonejo in 1980s. Since then, these schools had remained a victim of negligence.

Arrested: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Saturday night arrested a human trafficker, Muhammad Javaid, from Bhagowal village during a raid.

However, Javaid’s two accomplices Zakaullah and Amanullah managed to escape.

FIA officials told the press here on Sunday that Javaid, a Wapda employee, was wanted by Spanish and Greek investigating authorities in several cases of human trafficking. Further investigation is under way.