K-P MPAs call for return of stranded students

The students are stuck in Afghanistan after closure of border between two countries

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday approved several important resolutions and motions covering issues ranging from the repatriation of Pakistani students stranded in Afghanistan to education sector reforms, legislative oversight, and minority welfare during a session marked by wide-ranging debate.

The House unanimously passed a resolution seeking the immediate return of Pakistani students currently studying in Afghanistan who are facing severe difficulties due to the closure of the Pak-Afghan border. The resolution was moved by government member Ubaidur Rehman, who told the House that border restrictions had left many students stranded, causing academic and humanitarian problems. The Assembly urged the federal and provincial governments to take emergency measures, including the establishment of facilitation centres and health desks at border points to ensure the safe return of students.

Awami National Party (ANP) member Nisar Baz also spoke on the issue, stating that students from various parts of Pakistan were enrolled in Afghan education institutions but were unable to return home due to the closure of the Chaman and Torkham border crossings. He stressed the need for coordinated action by both federal and provincial authorities.

In another significant development, the Assembly approved the formation of a special committee to investigate the attack on the Radio Pakistan Peshawar building during the May 9 incidents. The motion was presented by Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam in line with a decision taken by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa cabinet. The House gave its approval for a special parliamentary committee to carry out a detailed inquiry into the attack.

Responding to a calling attention notice by female lawmaker Ashbar Jadoon, Provincial Education Minister Rashid Ayub outlined major reforms in the education sector. He said that prior to 2013, teacher recruitments were largely influenced by political recommendations, whereas the PTI government introduced merit-based hiring through the National Testing Service (NTS). He informed the House that the province has around 35,000 schools with approximately 175,000 teachers, while the total education workforce exceeds 200,000. The cabinet has approved Rs6.5 billion to improve school facilities, while 16,500 teachers have been recruited so far, including the posting of 7,500. A summary has also been sent to the cabinet for hiring an additional 10,000 contract teachers. He added that an e-transfer policy for teachers from Grade 12 to 18 had been approved to curb political interference.

During the session, lawmaker Shazia Tammash raised concerns over rising prices of wheat, fruit, and flour. Responding, Housing Minister Dr Amjad said that flour prices had increased from Rs800 per bag in the past to around Rs2,400, adding that bread prices are determined by district price assessment committees with representation from naanbai associations.

The Assembly also saw the presentation of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Adhoc Lecturers (Regularisation of Services) Bill 2025 by Law Minister Aftab Alam.