Faridullah : Miscreants target girls’ school in Balochistan after KP incident

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Balochistan girls’ school attack
2. Security measures for girls’ schools in Balochistan

Unknown armed men attempted to set fire to a girls’ middle school in Surab district, Kalat division, causing damage to the building. This incident follows a similar arson attack on a girls’ school in North Waziristan. In the latter case, a former teacher named Faridullah was arrested for his alleged involvement in the attack. The recent surge in attacks on girls’ schools in North and South Waziristan has raised concerns, with the Ministry of Federal Education calling for prompt action to protect girls’ education. These acts of terrorism threaten the progress made in promoting education and gender equality in the region.

Attack on Girls’ School in Quetta and North Waziristan

In a distressing turn of events, unidentified armed individuals attempted to set fire to a girls’ middle school in Surab district of Kalat division, causing extensive damage to the building. This incident marks the second act of arson targeting a girls’ school in just a week, highlighting the growing threat to educational institutions in the region.

Arson in Surab District, Kalat Division

The attackers entered the school premises in Killi Dhamb tehsil on Wednesday night, setting the staff room ablaze and causing significant damage to other areas of the school. The lack of a night guard at the school allowed the perpetrators to escape before the authorities could intervene, underscoring the need for increased security measures to protect educational facilities.

Arrest of Ex-Teacher in North Waziristan

Meanwhile, in North Waziristan district, a former teacher named Faridullah has been apprehended for his alleged involvement in the torching of a girls’ middle school in Shakimar area of Razmak tehsil. The accused, who was reportedly banned from entering the school due to prior incidents of misbehaviour, was identified through a police investigation linking him to the arson attack.

The school, constructed through a collaboration between a welfare organisation and the Pakistan Army’s 7th Division in 2020, had over 500 enrolled girls at the time of the attack. This deliberate targeting of educational institutions, particularly those dedicated to girls’ education, has raised concerns among local communities and authorities alike.

Escalating Attacks on Schools in Waziristan

Recent incidents in both North and South Waziristan districts, including the destruction of a girls’ private school in Shawa area and the bombing of an under-construction school in lower South Waziristan, have prompted urgent action from government authorities. The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has expressed alarm over the targeting of girls’ education institutions, emphasising the critical role of education in national development.

As the community grapples with the repercussions of these attacks, the need for enhanced security measures, swift justice for perpetrators, and continued support for girls’ education remains paramount. The resilience and determination of students and educators in the face of such adversity stand as a testament to the unwavering commitment towards a brighter future for all.

Published in Dawn, May 31st, 2024