Dilapidated: Historical school facing govt neglect

Ghost schools remain commonplace despite the government's claims.

DERA GHAZI KHAN: Despite the government’s claims, ghost schools remain commonplace, particularly in rural areas across the country. One example is Government Primary School Jhoke Malkani in Paharpur, one of five tehsils of the southern district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

The school was established in 1948 but still lacks a proper building, let alone any facilities. In charge of the school Israr Khan said several requests were made, but the authorities paid no attention.

He said the recent floods added to the difficulties faced by students as everything the school possessed floated away. Ironically, the school even lacks running water, Khan added. There is nothing to attract students who want to carry on their education. “We want to get education but we are forced to take leave unwillingly whenever it rains”, said Nadeem, a third grader.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2011.