CHITRAL: A dilapidated mud building housing the Government Maktab Primary School in Domel Nisar area of Lower Chitral poses a serious threat to the lives of 220 boys and girls enrolled up to grade five, prompting parents and local residents to demand their immediate relocation to a safer building.
Constructed decades ago with mud, the school’s walls and roof have deteriorated considerably. Residents fear that the structure could collapse at any time, particularly during heavy rain or an earthquake, leaving parents deeply concerned about their children’s safety.
Speaking to media, local community representatives, including School Chairman Haji Abdul Rasheed and school member Maulana Ali Muhammad, warned that allowing young children to continue studying in such a hazardous building could lead to a major tragedy.
They pointed out that an immediate alternative was available in the form of a newly constructed Government Girls Primary School (GGPS) building situated next to the existing school, which is currently lying vacant.
The residents urged the deputy commissioner of Lower Chitral and senior Education Department officials to take urgent notice of the situation and arrange immediate shifting of students to the vacant building to ensure the continuation of classes in a safe environment.
When contacted for her comments, District Education Officer (Female) Lower Chitral Mehrun Nisa acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but said an acute shortage of qualified female teachers was the main obstacle to relocating the students.
She explained that under government policy, the administration of all newly constructed primary school buildings fell under the jurisdiction of the female education office. The Maktab School, which has been operating for decades in mud-built rooms donated by the local community, is currently staffed by male teachers.
Ms Nisa said four female teaching positions had been sanctioned for the newly constructed school to replace the existing male staff. However, despite the testing agency lowering the qualifying threshold from 50 to 30pc, only one female candidate from the local village council managed to qualify.
She attributed the shortage of eligible local candidates to widespread poverty and deep-rooted social barriers that had hindered the development of female education in the area.
As an interim measure, Ms Nisa said she had formally approached the commandant of Chitral Scouts and the deputy commissioner of Lower Chitral, seeking their assistance in arranging funds to hire temporary female teachers until candidates meeting the prescribed merit criteria became available.
Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2026
