I WANT to draw the attention of all authorities, organisations, institutions and government agencies, especially the apex court, towards permanent closure of a government school in the heart of Karachi.

Established in 1962, the Government Girls/Boys Primary School situated at Sahibdad Village, Malir, Karachi, was demolished some three years ago for reconstruction, following its dilapidated condition which posed serious danger to the lives of innocent children.

Since the work started, a group of land grabbers supported by the drug mafia led by the religious head of Darul Uloom in the same area started opposing the reconstruction of the school building and forcibly not only stopped the work but also scared the contractor to run, forced the teachers and children to abandon the place and locked the main gate and also erased the name of the school painted on the wall.

The area residents approached the authorities concerned and civil society to seek justice and help save the future of their children but in vain. They also raised their voice through the media but no heed was paid to the issue under the influence of the mulla mafia.

It is allegedly being emotionally and morally supported by some so-called political and social groups as well as on the back-up of some parliamentarians, local bureaucrats and the local police.

Almost three years have passed now. About 400 poor children are compelled to sit on the street and partially in a one-room local library to continue their education. As a result, the number of new admissions considerably dropped, paving the path for the closure of the school on a permanent basis.

We, the poor residents, appeal to the authorities concerned and the Supreme Court of Pakistan to enforce the writ of the government to save the future of our young generation.

MASOOD BALOCH Karachi