CHITRAL: Grade 11 girl students of the Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Mastuj in Upper Chitral have criticised the government over the admission of 28 girls to a newly-established college operating in a rented building.
Following directives from the district education officer (male), the school administration has barred 28 girl students enrolled in the FA/FSc first-year programmes from entering the premises, transferring them to the new college.
The students have been staging protest sit-ins for the last one week outside the school’s main gate, demanding they be allowed to continue their education at GHSS Mastuj.
Parents have joined their daughters, reiterating demands for the government to rescind the transfer order.
Principal says complying with DEO’s directives
Protesters argued that classes at the higher secondary school began two months ago, so students had already completed nearly one-fourth of their syllabus.
They added that moving them to a new college midway through the term would disrupt their academic progress.
Parents complained that students would have to arrange transport to reach the rented building situated in a corner of the town and that it would add to their financial burden.
Students termed the decision a “gender discrimination”, pointing out that they’re struck off the school’s rolls as the GHSS Mastuj was administratively designated for boys.
“The people of Mastuj are deeply indebted to the government for establishing a college here,” resident Akbar Khan told Dawn over telephone.
“The manner in which these girls were evicted from the school is questionable,” he said.
When contacted, GHSS Mastuj Principal Juma Khan said that he was complying with the directives issued by the district education officer (male).
“I have to implement the orders of authorities. I am bound to restrict the admission of Class-XI female students to the school premises,” he said.
The DEO (male) was unavailable via his office landline. He did not respond to multiple calls made to his personal mobile.
Meanwhile, Upper Chitral deputy commissioner Ihsanullah said that the administration was seeking a viable resolution.
He said he was in contact with top officials of the higher education department to find a solution and address the grievances of the students.
Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2026
