A dilapidated government girls’ primary school in Loe Shalman, Khyber district, has raised fresh concerns over the state of educational infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with a viral video highlighting the deteriorating condition of the building.
The school, located in the Shin Pukh area of Malik Imroz Kalay in Landi Kotal tehsil, reportedly lacks proper maintenance, while its deteriorating structure has raised concerns about the safety of students and the continuation of their education.
Dilapidated school building raises safety concerns
The Government Girls Primary School in the remote area of Loe Shalman, part of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi’s home district of Khyber, is reportedly in a state of disrepair.
Images circulating online show the poor condition of the school building, raising questions about the availability of safe learning facilities for girls in the remote tribal district.
The condition of the walls and roof has prompted concerns that the building could pose a risk to students if urgent repairs are not carried out. The deteriorating infrastructure could also disrupt classes and affect girls’ access to education.
PTI’s 13-year rule faces scrutiny over education facilities
The condition of the school has renewed criticism of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which governed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for an extended period, with critics questioning the gap between its education reform claims and the condition of schools in remote areas.
Residents have called on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and senior education department officials to take immediate notice of the school’s condition.
They have urged the authorities to repair the building and provide essential educational facilities so that students can continue their studies in a safe environment.
Education challenges in former tribal districts
Educational infrastructure in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), has faced longstanding challenges. Following the merger of the former tribal areas with the province, successive governments announced funding and reforms aimed at improving public services, including education.
However, residents in remote and border areas continue to raise concerns about the condition of school buildings and shortages of basic facilities.
Girls’ schools in particular require safe buildings and adequate infrastructure to ensure that students can attend classes without fear of accidents or disruption.
The video from Loe Shalman has brought renewed attention to the challenges facing public education in the region and the need for authorities to assess the condition of school buildings.
Ensuring safe classrooms, timely repairs and adequate facilities remains essential to protecting students and supporting girls’ education. Residents are calling for urgent action to prevent the school’s deteriorating condition from further affecting pupils’ safety and educational opportunities.
