Locals resist demolition of Khanpur school

Tensions are rising in Khanpur as locals and civil society members rally against the planned demolition of the historic Government High School building in Haripur.

The move, initiated by the Haripur education department, has sparked widespread concerns over the future of 500 students and raised questions about the decision-making process behind the building's classification as unsafe.

The school building, constructed in the 1980s through the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Khanpur dam project, is celebrated for its unique architectural design that reflects the cultural heritage of Taxila and Khanpur.

Despite standing intact for decades and weathering the 2005 earthquake, the building has been declared a "disaster-prone" and is slated for demolition.

Local activists argue that minor repairs, costing significantly less than the proposed reconstruction, would suffice to address any structural issues.

Critics claim the demolition plan lacks transparency and may serve political and financial interests.

"How can such a strong and iconic structure suddenly be deemed a hazard?" questioned a local resident. Civil society members have demanded the release of detailed assessment reports to justify the decision, suspecting ulterior motives behind the move.

The controversy deepened when reports emerged that materials from the school building, valued in tens of million rupees, are to be auctioned for a mere Rs1.2 million.

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Khanpur leaders and other community members have condemned the plan, labelling it an attempt to squander public resources and undermine national assets.

Protests have highlighted discrepancies in the project's implementation. While the new school building proposes only eight classrooms, the current structure has 19 classrooms, raising concerns about inadequate space for students.

Additionally, a crack in the examination hall's wall, which activists say could be repaired, is being used as a pretext for the demolition.

JI Khanpur, alongside civil society, has vowed to explore all legal avenues to halt the demolition.

"This is not just about a building; it's about the future of our children and the preservation of our cultural heritage," said a spokesperson during a public demonstration.