QUETTA: The Sibi circuit division bench of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) has asked the deputy commissioner and the district police officer of Sibi to retrieve the possession of a portion of a school building from a land grabber and take strict action if the latter offers resistance.

The directive was issued by the bench comprising Justices Jamal Khan Mandokhel and Mohammad Ejaz Swati on a petition filed by Sibi Municipal Committee chairman Mohammad Dawood.

The bench issued notices to the respondents, the advocate general, provincial education secretary and director of schools, Sibi, asking them to appear before the court on the next hearing.

The petitioner told the court that a portion of Government Boys’ School in Dehpal Kalan had been occupied by a land grabber.

Two girls’ schools in town were being run in open plots and their rent was being borne by teachers, he said, adding the schools lacked basic necessities.

The court directed the divisional director of education and the district education officers (male and female) of Sibi to submit reports through the advocate general about the condition of the two schools and others running under their supervision.

The court observed it was the responsibility of the state to provide free and compulsory education to all children of five to 16 years and enable schools to provide quality education to students. The bench said it was disappointed to observe the conditions prevailing at schools in Sibi.

The court recommended that because of its important nature, the case should be heard by the BHC’s principle seat in Quetta.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2015

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