MARDAN, April 25 Speakers at a seminar here on Saturday expressed concern over decline in education standard and demanded prompt measures to overcome the problem. Mardan Development Forum (MDF) had organised the seminar.

The Chairman, English Department of the Postgraduate College, Mardan (PGCM), Prof Miraj, while speaking on the occasion deplored that the declining education standard had badly affected the collective character of the Pakistani nation.

He further deplored that most of the children studied in the government schools where the standard of education was quiet poor due to lack of facilities.

He said that children were our future asset as they made future of the country but unfortunately they were the most deprived lot due to our attitude.

He expressed concern over the growing terrorism and militancy, which was ruining the psyche of the children, and demanded immediate check on the situation. He condemned bomb attacks on schools especially girls schools by militants. Mr Khan pointed out that the only way out from the present situation was political stability, dealing with terrorism with iron hands and upholding the merit. He also demanded provision of all the facilities to the schools.

He welcomed establishment of Abdul Wali Khan University and Bacha Khan Medical College in Mardan. The assistant coordination officer claimed that problems facing both students and teachers would be solved as they had sufficient funds.—Correspondent