Rebuilding lives: Student body demands increase in scholarship money

PESHAWAR: Members of Kurram Students Organization (KSO) have pressed Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra to increase the scholarship amount for students, reconstruct educational institutes and start educational activities across the province.

The demands were put forward during a news conference at Peshawar Press Club on Wednesday. Members said they were making concerted efforts to resolve problems being faced by people of their area. However, they said the political administration of Kurram Agency was creating obstacles for them. They added nearly 100 educational institutes were razed to the ground due to militancy. According to the member, not a single school has been rebuilt.

Speaking on the occasion, KSO General Secretary Muhammad Yousaf said their organisation was helping students get an education.

He added they have been offering free tuitions to students.

“However, the political administration is not helping us revive educational activities,” he said. “Their assistance is needed, especially as the displaced population is returning to their homes.”

Yousaf said at least 0.4 million children from the tribal areas have been deprived of an education and a large number of teachers have taken to the streets in Islamabad to demand upgradation.

“The tribespeople are living under deplorable conditions,” he added.  The general secretary requested Jhagra to immediately address their grievances.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2016.