PARACHINAR: The heads of government and private educational institutions in Parachinar announced Tuesday that schools, which reopened March 1 after a two-month winter break, will remain closed indefinitely in protest over severe shortages of fuel, food, and medical supplies affecting the region.
Speaking at a joint press conference, education leaders, including Principal Marjan Ali, Sir Zahid Hussain, and Muhammad Hayat Khan, said the ongoing crisis has left more than 100 villages in Upper and Lower Kurram, including Parachinar, without access to essential resources for the past five months.
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The leaders cited the unavailability of fuel, stationery, and school uniforms as major obstacles to resuming educational activities. They also highlighted the burning of vehicles carrying books and uniforms in Bagan, which has further exacerbated the challenges faced by students.
With petrol being sold on the black market for 1,200 to 1,500 rupees per liter, both students and teachers are struggling to afford transportation and other necessities. The education leaders vowed to keep schools closed until transportation routes are reopened and fuel supplies are restored. They warned that if their demands are not met, they will consider launching a protest movement.
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In addition to the resource crisis, the leaders raised concerns over alleged unfair grading practices by the Kohat Board, calling for an end to discrimination against students in future examinations.
The prolonged closure of schools and the lack of basic supplies have left the region’s educational system in turmoil, with no immediate resolution in sight.
