NORTH Waziristan has over the years seen much violence and terrorist activities. Even today, it is yet to become a region like any normal area of the country. Apart from many other problems and lack of basic facilities, the mountainous region remains deprived of a proper education system. There is no university there, and people are forced to travel to the big cities across the country in pursuit of higher education. However, not everyone can afford such an option. While those hailing from well-off families move out to the cities, the majority suffers in the absence of a seat of higher learning in a region that is home to more than 600,000 people.

There is no dearth of talent, potential and passion in the people, especially the younger ones. They are hardworking and, if provided good education and opportunities, they can do wonders, and even outdo others in serving the country in many a field.

Also, being a closed and conservative society, lack of education and other basic facilities makes the local people an easy prey to the menace of extremism. This proves problematic not only for the area, and for the country at large.

Only decent education facilities have the chance of changing the mindset of the young individuals, and help them become useful members of society.

The country’s Constitution says access to quality education is the fundamental right of every citizen. That being so, it is the responsibility of the government to make this basic facility available. Provincial and federal governments should both work together to establish a good university in North Waziristan on a priority basis.

Noor Ullah Khan
Miran Shah

Published in Dawn, May 24th, 2024