SIALKOT, Dec 24: The education department has failed to take any step for re-opening of government girls primary schools in border villages of Bajwat despite instructions given by the provincial government some two months ago. Punjab Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi had also taken a serious notice of the closure of primary schools in Bajwat and sought a detailed report from the Sialkot district government some two months back.

While officials concerned of the provincial government had also directed the Sialkot education department to chalk out an effective strategy for the early re-opening of girls’ schools.

Talking to reporters, local councillors Muhammad Shafi alias Chief Sahib, Ghulam Husain Papa and notables expressed their grave concern over the lack of education facilities in their areas.

They held responsible equally local politicians for the dilapidated condition of government school buildings and closing doors of education for primary school students.

Although this area fell into NA-111 constituency of NA Speaker Chaudhry Ameer Husain and PP-121 constituency of Punjab Industries Minister Muhammad Ajmal Cheema, they never paid any attention in this regard due to their political differences.

More than six government girls primary schools in Bajwat’s far-off villages — Papeen, Jog, Khanu Bhau, Beli Minhasaan, Bheince and Ghazipura had been closed by the education department. The main reasons assigned for the closure were the non-availability of the teaching staff and the crumbled structures of school buildings.

These schools were established during the regime of the late prime minister Muhammad Khan Jonejo. Now, the girl students have to go to Sialkot for getting primary education. While parents of little means are unable to continue education of their daughters.

Presently, local villagers are using these run-down school buildings as cattle sheds.

Similarly, the Government Girls Primary School, Saddarpura, had been upgraded to the middle level some eight years ago. Since then, no headmistress and teachers of middle classes have been appointed. The school also lacks all basic facilities, negating tall claims of federal, provincial and district governments to bring educational revolution in Sialkot district.

The authorities concerned of the Sialkot education department refused to give any comment in this regard.