Girls’ schools under attack
In a disturbing trend that highlights the fragile state of education in some regions of Pakistan, unknown armed men recently attempted to set fire to a girls’ middle school in Surab district of Kalat division of Balochistan. This act of arson, which gutted the school’s staffroom and caused damage to other parts of the building, marks the second such incident targeting a girls’ school in a week. Just days earlier, unidentified terrorists torched an institution in North Waziristan tribal district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, showing a clear and alarming pattern of attacks aimed at disrupting girls’ education. Such incidents are not isolated, as similar attacks have been reported in Kech, Panjgur and other districts in recent years.
These acts of violence are part of a broader surge in attacks on schools in North and South Waziristan. The destruction of the solar power system of a girls’ school in March and the bombing of an under-construction school in May should be taken as relentless threats faced by educational institutions in these regions. Such attacks not only instill fear but also disrupt the progress towards educational and gender equality, undermining years of development efforts. This is a direct assault on the fundamental right to education for girls. Therefore, the response must be swift and multifaceted. Enhanced security at schools, including guards and surveillance systems, is urgently needed. The government must also ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice, sending a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.
More so, through thorough investigations and careful analysis, it is imperative to ascertain why these attacks are happening. Are they driven by ideological opposition to girls’ education, personal vendettas or broader terrorist strategies? Understanding the root causes will enable more effective prevention and response strategies. The government must take decisive action to protect these institutions at all costs. Safeguarding their education is an investment in the future of Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 2nd, 2024.
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