WANA: Students and social workers took out a protest rally in Wana on Friday against non-functional schools in South Waziristan tribal district.

A large number of students attended the rally which passed through various bazaars of the town. The affected students, carrying banners and placards, demanded of the government to make all schools functional and ensure attendance of teachers in the district.

Speaking on the occasion, the students and social workers complained that a large number of schools were non-functional despite payment of salaries to the teachers. They said that many influential people had converted schools into guest houses.

They said that officials of the directorate of education and district administration were hand in glove with the teachers who were receiving salaries without performing duties. The protesters also asked the assistant commissioner, Wana, to ensure opening of the non-functional schools.

Assistant commissioner Ameer Nawaz told mediapersons that the administration had stopped salaries of teachers who were not performing their duties. He said that several teachers had reported to the education department and added that the problem of non-functional schools would be resolved.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2019