MINGORA: Residents of Imam Dherai in Kabal tehsil here have criticised the education department for not starting classes in the government-run girls primary school constructed in 2014.

Talking to reporters, they said although the area remained the most affected and needed greater attention of the government in developmental activities, nothing practical could be done after peace was restored in 2009.

Imam Dherai, earlier known as Mam Dherai, remained a stronghold of militants where girls remained out of schools during the insurgency.

“For more than three years there were no educational activities due to mayhem and our girls were deprived of education. Then with the struggle of local people, a primary school for girls was constructed in 2014,” said Akhtar Hussain, a local resident, adding, however, that educational activities were yet to be started in the school.

The residents said while majority of girls had to stop pursuing education those who could afford had to travel long distances to get enrolled in schools of other villages.

“I send my children to a girls school in another village as I want my daughters to be educated, but many other girls willing to get education cannot afford to go out of their village,” said Hussain Ahmad, another villager.

Meanwhile, it is claimed that elected representatives have begun making efforts to make the school functional. “We have already contacted the concerned authorities to immediately make the school functional by providing staff,” said naib tehsil nazim Engineer Hanif Khan.

Faiz Ali Khan, an official in the district female education department, told Dawn on contact that a letter had been written to the education directorate for sanctioning of staff to the school. In August 2014, a letter was also written to the directorate to sanction the required staff, two teachers and one class-IV employees, but no response came.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2016