PARACHINAR: Despite the official conclusion of the two-month winter break, educational institutions in Parachinar remain closed, leaving students and parents anxious about the growing academic gap. The unavailability of textbooks, school uniforms, and fuel for transportation has further worsened the situation, leaving students in a state of uncertainty.
School owners and principals have voiced their frustration over the prolonged closure, citing the significant academic time already lost in 2024 due to unrest in the region. Marjan Ali and Muhammad Hayat Khan, among other educational heads, emphasized that even as the 2025 academic session is set to begin, schools are unable to reopen due to the lack of essential resources, including textbooks and fuel for transportation.
Also Read: Parachinar schools close amid food, fuel shortage protests
Educational leaders have called on the government to take immediate action to restore transportation routes and ensure the timely supply of textbooks. They highlighted that the five-month-long closure of key roads has disrupted all aspects of daily life, with the price of black-market fuel skyrocketing to Rs. 1,200–1,500 per liter. This exorbitant cost has made it nearly impossible for students and teachers to commute, further crippling the education sector.
School administrators have warned that if the government fails to reopen transportation routes and address the shortages, educational institutions will remain shut, potentially leading to widespread protests. They stressed that Parachinar’s education standards have historically been on par with those of major cities like Islamabad and Abbottabad. However, the ongoing unrest and resource shortages are now severely undermining the region’s academic progress.
The prolonged closure of schools has not only disrupted the education of thousands of students but also raised fears of long-term consequences for the region’s development. Parents and educators alike are urging authorities to prioritize the restoration of normalcy to prevent further damage to the academic future of Parachinar’s youth.
