BATKHELA, Jan 11: A jirga of Uthmankhel Qaumi Movement (UQM) has demanded provision of all basic facilities, including construction of new schools and roads, to facilitate girls' education in Uthmankhel areas in Bajaur, Malakand and Mohmand agencies.

The jirga held in remote village of Khanori in Malakand Agency was attended by around 200 elders of Uthmankhel tribe from all the nearby villages including, Selai Patay, Badama, Dherai, Seend Ghara and Kot Manzaray Baba.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Dr Moqqadar Shah, Malak Afzal, Ziaul Islam, Amjad Khan, Jahan Zarin, Sher Ali, Zehrab Gul and other local notables.

The UQM president, Shah Wali Khan, lamented the lack of educational and health facilities for girls at Khanori village.

He said that the 18-km kucha road in the hilly area from Kot to Khanori had not be constructed despite promises by the government, which was causing tremendous difficulties for students and people in case of health emergency.