Demanding intervention: MNA decries state of schools in his constituency

Hamidul Haq says not enough teachers, science labs at higher secondary schools of NA-II.

PESHAWAR:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf MNA Hamidul Haq has voiced concern over the lack of teachers and science laboratories at higher secondary schools in his constituency of NA-II, Peshawar.

“Majority of the students in the area do not have basic facilities,” he told The Express Tribune on Tuesday. “To fill the gaps we have asked people to inform us within three days of the problems pertaining to schools in their areas.”

Areas that fall under the constituency include Tehkal, Hayatabad, University Town, Bara Road, Peshawar Cantt, Palosi, Regi, Pishtakhara, Achini and Sarband.



On a recent visit to girls schools in his constituency, Haq said he found the institutes in deplorable condition. The MNA added there are only two rooms accommodating more than 600 students in some primary schools. Moreover, these students are taught by only two teachers.

Finding ways

Hamidul Haq said they have discussed the issue with authorities in the provincial education department several times and have also brought the matter to the attention of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Education Atif Khan, but to no avail. The education department is willing to provide furniture for schools, but dearth of space does not allow them to avail the opportunity, he added.

“I met K-P Education Department Secretary Afzal Latif to discuss these issues in detail,” said Haq. “He has assured me the department will soon take notice of the problem.”



Haq has appealed to the people in his constituency to put forward the problems they are facing regarding schools in their respective areas so a list can be drawn up and forwarded to the education department.

District Education Officer Sharif Gul, however, said all schools in the city are provided equal facilities. He said there are 790 boys schools in Peshawar, of which 105 are of higher secondary, 82 are middle and 603 primary schools. He admitted the strength of science teachers in some of these schools is low, but said they will soon fill these vacant posts.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25^th, 2015.