LOWER DIR: The planned relocation of the Chakdara campus of Riphah International University from Lower Dir to Swat has triggered a debate among stakeholders in both the neighbouring districts, with the former opposing the move and the latter viewing it as an opportunity for promotion of higher education in the region.
University officials have confirmed that the campus will be shifted from Chakdara to Kanju Township in August. A senior official told Dawn that the decision was final as a building was already rented in Kanju, Swat, for the university and its payment was cleared.
He attributed the decision to persistent issues with the owner of the existing campus in Chakdara, saying the management of the campus was facing difficulties that ultimately led to the decision to relocate it.
However, the decision has drawn strong reaction from political and social circles in Lower Dir. Speaking to journalists in Timergara, Malik Shah Naseem Yousafzai, central president of Dir Qaumi Pasoon, termed the decision unjust and detrimental to the people of the area.
Swatis welcome the decision as opportunity for promotion of higher education
He said that the Chakdara campus had long served as a key centre of higher education for students from Dir and across Malakand division, enabling access to quality education at local level. Its relocation, he warned, would impose additional financial and logistical burden on students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, who would have to cover long distances to continue their studies.
Mr Yousafzai urged the university administration and relevant authorities to revisit the decision and retain the campus in Chakdara to safeguard interests of students.
Echoing these concerns, MPA Humayun Khan said that the campus would not be allowed to shift ‘under any circumstances’.
Addressing a gathering of local politicians from various parties in Chakdara after meeting the campus management, he said that a scheduled meeting with the university administration on March 24 would seek a ‘workable and mutually acceptable solution’ to the issue.
The meeting was also attended by Dr Bashir Mohammad, head of Jamaat-i-Islami Adinzai chapter, and local PTI workers including Haji Ghulam Hussain, Javed Kheyal and others.
In contrast, some stakeholders in Swat have welcomed the proposed relocation, describing it a positive step.
The controversy has opened up a broader debate over the distribution of educational resources within the region, highlighting competing local interests and policy challenges that are likely to persist in the coming weeks.
PACKAGES: Hundreds of orphans and widows were provided with food and Eid packages ahead of Eidul Fitr under an initiative of Qatar Charity.
In this connection, a ceremony was held in Gulabad here the other day that saw the participation of a large number of widows and orphans.
Officials said around 560 registered orphans from various parts of Lower Dir were given food packages including essential items such as cooking oil, rice, white chickpeas, dates, sugar, salt and tea leaves.
The additional deputy commissioner for relief and human rights, Syed Akram Shah, who attended the ceremony as chief guest, appreciated the organisation’s efforts, noting that supporting orphans carried significant moral and social importance. He said that such initiatives helped underprivileged segments of society to celebrate Eid with dignity.
Speaking on the occasion, Qatar Charity coordinator Malik Mohammad Asad said that the organisation was providing quarterly financial assistance to hundreds of deserving families across the district.
Published in Dawn, March 23th, 2026