Textbooks stolenfrom Literacy Dept

Police and literacy department officials have failed to recover 1,000 textbooks worth Rs0.7 million stolen from the literacy department's head office.

The theft reportedly took place under the cover of a blackout during the India-Pakistan conflict, raising serious questions about the security of Rawalpindi's educational offices.

According to available CCTV footage—captured by one of the few functioning cameras—three masked individuals were seen loading the stolen books onto a Suzuki pickup.

Their identities remain unknown.

The footage does not clarify who authorised the opening of the main gate between 2am and 3am, nor has the department offered answers regarding the whereabouts of on-duty guards.

Following the theft, hundreds of literacy students have been deprived of free textbooks. The head office at Committee Chowk, established 60 years ago, houses key officials including EDOs for Education and Literacy, college directors, and staff records for the entire district.

Despite the presence of multiple night watchmen and guards, the incident has exposed glaring lapses in security.

EDO Literacy Naveed-ul-Haq has filed an official police report and assured a thorough inquiry, promising strict action against those found responsible.