LOWER WAZIRISTAN: Students of the Government Degree College for Girls protested teacher absenteeism in Wana area here on Tuesday.

The college girls boycotted classes and staged a sit-in outside a camp of security forces.

They told reporters that the college had 25 teachers but only two of them performed duty.

The assistant commissioner met the students and convinced them to return to school. He told protesters that he had already taken up the matter with the higher education department for action against absentee teachers.

The college had resumed in-person learning two years ago after the security forces vacated the premises.

Meanwhile, workers of political parties took out a ‘peace march’ in Wana area complaining about the growing lawlessness.

The participants demanded of the government to ensure an immediate end to targeted killings and kidnappings for ransom in the district.

The leaders of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement and other political parties led the rally.

A joint declaration was issued later demanding protection of public life and supremacy of the law. It also read that no group would support agreement with any armed group.

A committee consisting of elders and ulema was formed to finalise the future course of action.

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2022