SCO Expansion: Prospects for Pakistan

Leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) states and observer members pose for a group photo at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tashkent. (AP photo)


Pakistan moved nearer last month to join a regional security and economic coalition led by China and Russia, a move seen to enhance the importance of the organization. Pakistan has become full member of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) after signing Memorandum of Obligations (MoOs) in SCO’s Heads of State Summit at Tashkent.

Pakistan has been an observer at SCO since 2005. It has been a regular contributor in the meetings of SCO and was the first SCO observer to apply for full membership in 2010. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) was created in June 2001, comprising China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

The recent approval of granting permanent membership has raised many hopes about the future of cooperation and tenacity of many persisting disputes and the critical issues which have been a bone of contention in the South Asian region.

Present era is the era of connectivity, so we can rightly interpret that SCO expansion is timely and Pakistan will be looking to play an important role in the region. Pakistan’s insertion in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) would be advantageous for the whole region. Pakistan’s geostrategic location allows it to become a source for regional economic incorporation among the SCO member states.

The expansion would enable the organization to prevent extra-regional pressures. With Pakistan’s eternal membership and enormous experience in the context, new measures and joint projects can also be taken for countering violent radicalism in the region.


Pakistan had attained excellent success in the internationally highly praised operation ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ and could share precious knowledge with the SCO member states. Pakistan’s role and experience as a frontline state in combating terrorism and extremism, which can be an asset to the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) and the Regional Counter Terrorism Structure (RCTS).

With the addition of Pakistan, the collective efforts by member states to counter terrorism and violent extremism will attain an important ally, as we have been effectively countering this menace for over a decade now. The internationally lauded Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which has reclaimed our national space from terrorists, is a prime example of the successes achieved by Pakistan in this context.

Pakistan permanent membership will help SCO embrace the world and will act like a bridge. From last four decades, Pakistan has suffered the War on terrorism and SCO can play a significant role in erasing the misperceptions about our country surrounding whole the world. It has become obvious particularly in the outcome of the War on Terror, that this part of the globe once again finds itself left to consider with the consequences of an imposed conflict, and to assemble the pieces of societies and structures that have been crushed by decades of conflict.

Economically, Pakistan will be the best medium between SCO countries and the South Asian region, providing the shortest possible trade routes between Central Asia and Iran on the one hand, and the Russian, Chinese and Indian markets on the other. And it will enhance trade itself by tying the region together with new energy corridors. No doubt that Pakistan’s inclusion will inculcate new might into the organization.

The country’s entry will open doors of opportunity for all SCO member states. It will boost the organization’s appeal and influence within the international arena, and strengthen its future development, setting it on the path to become a leading regional cooperation organization.

Particularly after Pakistan and India’s membership, if the SCO successfully managed its significant role in bridging relationship of the two nuclear rival neighbors then it would definitely be a sign of turning point to jot down a new history which will of course, encourage and attract many other states to come under the SCO umbrella.

Apart from the issue of SCO’s role in the region’s economic development and members’ security issues, a particular emphasize is required for the result oriented efforts to resolve core issues like Kashmir, Siachen, Sir Creek etc on priority basis. Otherwise even after granting permanent membership to Pakistan and India, the outcome would be no more than a further divide in the Organization particularly by crafting the conception of organization within the organization where two sides would be supported by their respective supporting states.

For that matter, we all need to work for the betterment of the country and be proud of what we have achieved by being part of the SCO Forum. We must take the first collective step towards diminishing the distances and misunderstandings between us, and work towards the betterment and prosperity of entire region. It was a long wait but is worth it.

Thus the much-awaited expansion of SCO would provide great opportunities to Pakistan keeping in view its geo-political, geo-strategic and geo-economic features and engagements.

Abdul Sattar Edhi – An Angel of Mercy

Very few persons in the world rose to such a high level of prominence that even the opponents find it very difficult to oppose their mission and have no option but to praise their contributions. Abdul Sattar Edhi was one of those personalities. He died after suffering from kidney failure and diabetes related problems. A selfless person who lived his entire life for others, who despite the owner of world’s largest ambulance service (1500 ambulances) as well as nursing homes, orphanages, clinics and women’s shelters, along with rehabilitation centers and soup kitchens across the country, lived in a small two-bedroom apartment and lived a very simple life.

The height of simplicity and selflessness is that he asked his family to bury him in his own clothes. We have often heard the phrase in the news during last few days, “He built an empire out of nothing”. It is not an exaggeration. He literally built this vast network out of nothing. He masterminded Pakistan’s largest welfare organization almost single-handedly, entirely with public donations.

When he was eleven, his mother became paralyzed from a stroke and she died when Edhi was 19. His personal experiences and care for his mother during her illness, caused him to develop a system of services for old, mentally ill and challenged people.

He never finished school but later said that the world of suffering became his tutor. After migration to Karachi in 1947, he made a living at first by working as a commission agent selling cloth at the Karachi wholesale market. A few years later, he started a free Bantva dispensary with the support of some community members. That was the start of his charity work.

Later, he planned for developing a systemized welfare service and drew a persistent and wide response for donations, expanding the trust at a remarkable pace. He first set up a maternity home and the emergency ambulance service in Karachi. Meanwhile, he met Bilquis Bano( Later she became Bilquis Edhi) , who was working as nurse at his dispensary. They married in 1965. The couple has four children, two daughters and two sons. Bilquis Edhi ran the free maternity home and organized adoption of abandoned children.

Edhi remained involved in the Edhi Foundation, from raising funds to helping with ritual bathing of the bodies of the deceased poor. He also personally drove one of the network’s ambulances across Karachi to help anyone in need.

Later Edhi’s foundation started providing technical and religious education to the disadvantaged street children. The foundation also provides consultations on family planning and maternity services, as well as free legal aid, financial and medical support to prisoners and the handicapped.


Since its inception, the Edhi Foundation has rescued over 20,000 abandoned infants, rehabilitated over 50,000 orphans and has trained over 40,000 nurses. It also runs more than 330 welfare centres in rural and urban Pakistan which operate as food kitchens, rehabilitation homes, shelters for abandoned women and children and clinics for the mentally handicapped.

His work earned him numerous awards at home and abroad, including the Gandhi Peace Award, the 2007 UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Prize, the 2011 London Peace Award, the 2008 Seoul Peace Award and the Hamdan Award for Volunteers in Humanitarian Medical Service.

Edhi Saheb’s insistence on helping people regardless of their background (especially religion), and his criticism of orthodox clerics drew the ire of some extremist Islamist groups over the years. Some criticized him for helping non-Muslims, while other clerics accused him of promoting adultery by encouraging people to leave unwanted children born out of wedlock in his organization’s care, in cradles placed outside the foundation’s orphanages.

His critics have remained a small minority in Pakistan, however, and his foundation is one of the most revered institutions in the country. “In a country where trust in public figures and institutions has never been high and has been eroded over time, Mr. Edhi’s was a cause that everyone could get behind and support without fear of being let down. Everyone was ready to contribute because they trusted him. They knew that their donations will be used appropriately.

In 2013, The Huffington Post said that he might be the world’s greatest living humanitarian. BBC wrote that he was considered “Pakistan’s most respected figure and was seen by some as almost a saint. He was known as Angel of Mercy and was considered Pakistan’s “most respected” and legendary figure.

His last wishes included the request that his organs were to be donated but due to his ill health, only his corneas were suitable. Even after his death, he continued his service to humanity. His corneas were transplanted into two blind persons and now they got their vision back.

Government of Pakistan needs to declare 9th July as national charity day in remembrance of his services and provide all kinds of possible assistance to his heirs in order to continue his mission.

Abdul Sattar Edhi was one of his kinds. We may never see a person like him. He will be missed forever. May God rest his soul in peace.

President Ghani’s Blame Game and The Afghan Peace Process

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has once again resorted to using allegations against Pakistan regarding its commitment and honesty to the Afghan Peace Process. While accusing Pakistan for the apparent stalemate in the talks, President Ghani stressed that it was largely because Pakistan has adopted a discriminatory approach and is keeping a distinction of good and bad Taliban and showing leniency towards them. According to him, such a policy by Pakistani leadership is reflective of its half hearted pledge to making the peace process successful. While President Ghani may have his reasons, right or wrong, to doubt Pakistan, one can’t help but wonder why Afghan leadership is so distrustful of Pakistan’s effort.

What can be done about it and why is it that whatever efforts Pakistan has been making, are not being acknowledged by the Afghan counterpart? It’s a fact that the Afghan Peace Process was set in motion and has recently gained momentum by the dedicated efforts of Pakistan. This has been duly appreciated by the US as well. There is no doubt that the peace in Afghanistan is closely linked to peace in Pakistan as whatever elements cause disruption to stability in Afghanistan have direct repercussions to the peace and stability in Pakistan.

Doubting and distrusting Pakistan is not going to resolve the situation. No one can deny that Pakistan has its stakes in Afghanistan. The need to have a functional and progressing neighbor along its Western border is not only going to be of great benefit to Pakistan but will also add to the regional stability.

Despite all these factual arguments, Pakistan is directly blamed for any derelictions in the peace process. It is a general rule that in order for any negotiations or talks to evolve and culminate successfully, the beginning point is to have trust in the intentions of each other, to have faith that the stakeholders are truly committed to the objective. If this basic ingredient is missing, the succeeding efforts will not stand much chance. In the recent case scenario, the trust not only seems to be largely lacking but the situation has been made even worse by broadcasting the insecurities and suspicions at the international forum.

Such political immaturity on part of Afghan leadership is not only alarming but also raises suspicions about the prospects of success for the future of peace process. There is no harm in voicing the grievances, but ideally they should be discussed and communicated bilaterally instead of trumpeting it out loud to the world. Here the intention of President Ghani clearly was to malign and tarnish Pakistan’s image and to disregard all the previous efforts it so far has made for the peace process. This also shows that Afghan leadership does not want to give peace a chance, instead is more interested in delaying the process.


The Afghan leadership needs to keep in mind that while there already are enough sabotaging factors on a look out for the chance to derail the progress, such allegations and blame game will only serve as a force multiplier for the anti-peace elements. Hence it needs to end its obsession with blaming and suspecting Pakistan every now and then for its efforts. It’s not just the RAW operating on the Afghan soil, working against the interest of both Pakistan and Afghanistan but there are several local Afghan’s who do not support any initiative taken by Pakistan.

This is where Afghan government needs to first and foremost concentrate its efforts. Pakistan and its security forces cannot miraculously make the peace process successful or help Afghanistan unless the Afghan government itself tries to put its house in order first. Pakistan on its part has always been lauded by the US state department for its support to the peace process. Pakistan continues to maintain its policy of “Afghan-led and Afghan-owned” peace process.

The need of the hour is to devise a trust building mechanism where such kind of statements should especially be avoided to be pronounced on the international platforms. Otherwise the recurring hurling of blames only emphasizes the fact that Afghanistan is itself more responsible for the hiccups in the peace process and for jeopardizing the future prospects of its success. Pakistani government should deal with such situations at two levels: First, it should come up with a good verbal response and emphatically refute these unfound allegations; Secondly, it should take prudent diplomatic measures and highlight its constructive role and dedication to the peace process at the local and international level through all the mediums available.

Pakistan needs to be more proactive without being defensive and reactionary to Afghan insecurities. Failing to do so will not only have adverse effect on the Afghan peace process but will also allow the country like Afghanistan to take disrespect Pakistan, which no country especially not a nuclear state deserves to be treated as.

If the anti-dialogue factors in Afghanistan are not dealt with properly, the sustainability and progress on the peace process cannot be guaranteed. The future of the peace in Afghanistan will remain bleak with adverse effect for Pakistan too. A strong political will is required on both sides of the border, more on Afghan side to let the trust be cultivated. Otherwise all the stakeholders could be in for a long haul without much hope for the efforts to materialize successfully.

Protest Against Trump Outside Republican National Convention

Protests continue outside the Republican national convention at Cleveland against Trump and Mike Pence nomination. Donald Trump and Mike Pence were officially selected to be the Republican Party’s nominees for president and vice president.

Protesters, who were a mix of various ethnicity and religions such as Muslims, Blacks and Mexicans, held placards with slogans such as “Dump Trump” and “Stop Trump” written on them.

They said Trump was bent on creating hatred based on ethnic lines which was against the basic tenets of American philosophy.  “I do not want my children to grow up hating people because they are Muslims, Blacks or Mexicans, a society Trump is trying to create”, said a protester.

Protests Against Trump Continued on 3rd Day of Republican National Convention

Protests continue against Donald Trump on third day of Republican National Convention. Inside the convention hall at Cleveland, Senator Ted Cruz refused to endorse Trump, shattering the nicely scripted facade of the party unity.

“…vote your conscience, vote for candidates up and down the ticket who you trust to defend our freedom and to be faithful to the Constitution”, he said while addressing the convention.

Angry Trump supporters booed Ted Cruz and chanted “We want Trump”. Cruz’s wife, Heidi, also faced the jeers of angry Trump supporters. She was quickly taken off the floor out of fear for her safety.

Interestingly, “vote your conscience” has also been a famous slogan of anti-Trump movement. Cruz’s call for people to vote their conscience was seen as his vote of no confidence in Trump.

Outside the convention hall, anti-Trump continued their protests for the third day of the convention. Cruz’s remarks were taken very well by the protesters. “Conscience can never ask someone to vote for Trump,” said a protester present outside the convention hall.

Positives and Negatives of Social Media

Social networking websites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Youtube etc. are very much common among youth. They have a huge impact on students and their academic work as students use these social media websites for discussion and other related study purposes. Social media has become a vital part of life in our modern society. It is especially becoming increasingly important due to its ability of an instant global outreach and power to interconnect people.

By now, we are all aware that social media has had a tremendous impact on our culture, business, and our day to day lives. A constant cultural diffusion is in process. Not only are we invaded and influenced by aspects of alien cultures but we’re also influencing other cultures. Social media has revolutionized the way people communicate and socialize.

Here is a closer look at the effect of social media on politics, business, socialization as well as some of its negative effects such as cyber bullying and privacy concerns.

Social networks offer people the opportunity to re-connect with their old friends and acquaintances, make new friends, exchange ideas, share content and pictures, and many other activities. Users can stay abreast of the latest global and local developments, and participate in campaigns and activities of their choice. It has now become quite easy to raise your voice which could instantly be heard at the other corner of the world.

Students can collaborate with their peers to improve their academic proficiency and communicational skills. One can learn about different cultures and societies by connecting with people in other countries.

However, there are a few downsides to social networking as well. Many introverts and socially reclusive users place too much emphasis on virtual interaction and ignore the real world outside.

Many companies have blocked access to social networks on their office Internet as addicted employees can distract themselves on such sites, instead of focusing on work.

Also, another serious issue faced by people is of cyber bullying and harassment. School children, young girls, and women can fall prey to these malicious attacks which can lead to tension and distress. The sane thing to do about cyberbullying and online harassment is to immediately inform the concerned law enforcement authorities. It is quite easy for our agencies to nab such culprits who hide behind their computers to harass people.

Moreover, if you’re not careful, what you post on the internet can come back to haunt you. Revealing personal information on social sites can make users vulnerable to crimes like identity theft, and stalking etc. Many companies perform a background check on the internet before hiring an employee. If a prospective employee has posted something embarrassing on social media, it can drastically affect his/her chances of getting the job.

The same holds true for our relationships too, as our loved ones and friends may get to know if we post something undesirable on social networks. What we should keep in mind is that whatever we post on these social networking sites, never remains private. If you want to keep something private, don’t share it online.

Social media has its advantages and drawbacks as revealed in this article. But then again, it’s all about how one uses it. At the end of the day, it comes down to each individual as it is up to him whether he uses it wisely to enhance his professional and social life, or he uses social media to waste his precious time.

WiFi-Network Unavailable!

Yes, you just read it right. Your eyes did not deceive you. The topic of my article really does NOT have any open WiFi network available. This must seem very strange to you because now-a-days there is hardly a place where a WiFi connection is not available. And, I know the question must have popped up in your mind that ‘why this article is named the opposite then?’

Well, let me tell you, this is to make the WiFi-addicted people realize that a ‘No WiFi Zone’ can also be entertaining. Ok, maybe you’ll not be able to see the incessant statuses and check-ins or the latest selfies of your friends. You’ll also not be able to know what is going on with millions of people’s lives, neither will you be able to download those unlimited number of pictures, videos or audios people have been sharing on those Whatsapp groups.

But then who says getting swamped with so such meaningless information is fun? Not getting overwhelmed with such meaningless statuses and instead enjoying quality time with your REAL friends in a REAL world can be a lot more fun.

In short, this article does not let you socialize with the whole world just sitting on your couch.

And hey! instead of whining about a WiFi connection not being available and not being able to talk to people through a virtual world, why not just look around and talk to people who are actually present near you. Trust me, you will see that these people are exactly similar to the ones you communicate with on Facebook. The only difference being that they are more close to you, would better understand your problems and comfort you in a better way.

What problems you say? Well, I am talking about the problems that you just updated as your Facebook status and were waiting for random people to comment there to get some comfort.

I don’t know whether Einstein said it or not but whoever he was, he sure was not any less of an Einstein when he said, “I fear the day when technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots”. We sure are a generation of Socrates on facebook and idiots in the real world.

I just fail to understand why whenever two people are together they feel an immediate urge to ask for the WiFi password of the restaurant to update their Facebook status and let the whole world know? I mean why not actually enjoy that moment and maybe update the status later if you really have to?

I am really glad that my childhood was filled with playing with my real friends rather than poking them on Facebook or sending them invites or gifts over the internet. I didn’t grow up in such a virtual world and I would rather continue not living in such a fake world.

Anyway, I just wanted you guys to realize that there is a whole REAL and FUN world around you which does not require a WiFi connection. Do take out your precious time for that too sometimes.

F-16s Vs. Pak-US Relations

The whole F-16 fiasco has started to look more like a case of “can’t swallow it and can’t spit it out”, for Pakistan. Amidst the US’ dwindling position on the agreement, and the Congress’ reluctance with regards to utilizing Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to offer subsidiary on the sale of eight Lockheed Martin F-16 jets, and the pre-conditions being attached to provision of subsidiary, the negotiations are still underway to find a way out which could be acceptable to both sides and more importantly to the US Congress and India. However there are mixed hopes about the outcome of these negotiations.

While the US Congress expresses reservations about Pakistan not being fully committed to the cause of fighting terrorism and has time and again being asked Pakistan to “do more”, the Indian factor and strong lobbying it has done cannot be ruled out. India has actively been voicing its fears and concerns in case the F-16 jets are given to Pakistan, alleging that there are more chances of Pakistan using them against India than fighting terrorism or terrorist elements.

Interestingly enough these concerns were there in October last year as well when the deal was agreed upon but the decision to move ahead with the deal was taken nonetheless. It is only recently that the US has almost rolled back on its offer. Short of saying a clear no, the US has actually said no by asking Pakistan to pay in full i.e. $700 million if it wants to procure the jets.

It is somewhat disappointing to see a supposedly responsible state like the US withdrawing from its commitment but at the same time one can recall that it is nothing new. In the retrospective it looks more like the echoes from the past where the 1985 Pressler amendment by the US, authorized the banning of most of the military and economic aid to Pakistan, albeit more discreetly and without sanctions this time. Back then the purpose was to put a halt on the nuclear program, which, this time again is one of the many reasons why the US Congress is opposing the F-16 deal.

Delaying the delivery of jets, Congress voicing dissatisfaction over Pakistan’s efforts to fight terrorism, assumptions about F-16 to be used against India, are all being fabricated to tighten the noose around Pakistan. This time the campaign is part of putting pressure on Pakistan for handing over of Dr. Shakeel Afridi, and to make Pakistan roll back its nuclear program, while the concerns about Haqqani network and Pakistan’s alleged association and support to it remains a constant suspicion for the US.

Looking at the past few months, one can see that Pak-US relations do not look very hopeful. The US seems to be toiling with the idea of “can’t live with it and can’t live without it”, while deciding on Pakistan’s relevance for its strategic interests in the region. The sentiments have been reciprocatively shared and expressed by both the Pakistani and American side. Mr. Sartaj Aziz stated that the bilateral relationship is not very ideal for a few months now. He even stated that Pakistan will explore alternative options if the US doesn’t fulfill its commitment. Similarly the US Congress is demanding that the F-16s should be put on hold until Pakistan an “uncertain ally” becomes a “trusted ally”.

Lesson here for Pakistan, which is not even new, is to hone on its diplomatic skills. The languid diplomacy from Pakistani side creates an ideal space for the counter forces and renders even the most justified and significant causes to be seen as trivial. In addition to this, an effective diplomacy is the only way to improve Pak-US relations and to make US realize that the regional security situation cannot be pivoted around the interests of just one state i.e. India, if the US is truly sincere about having peace in the South Asia region. This message is to be firmly conveyed along with another important note to the US lawmakers sitting in the Congress that if they wish to see Pakistan “doing more” against terrorism, they should facilitate and support the process and provide for the tools and instrument by which it could be made possible instead of blocking it. This includes the provision of the promised F-16 on the agreed upon price and subsidiary.

It is rather ironic that while the US senate and the recently visiting US representative to Pakistan Mr. Richard Olson are all hailing Pakistan’s commitment and efforts against terrorism, the US Congress is harping on a completely different tune that is totally based on “assumptions”. While Mr. Olson once again reiterated and appreciated Pakistan’s role in the war against terrorism, the message coming from US congress makes it confusing.

The inability to reach a unanimous and prompt verdict on the F-16 is not just nerve wrecking for Pakistan but also reflects poorly on the US non-seriousness about the issue and intentional indecisiveness. Pakistan has also to keep in mind the strong Indian-centric tilt that the US is efficiently exhibiting for some time now. Indian lobby has always been active in delaying the process of deliveries citing a direct threat to India’s security. Also because India is central to US’ pivot to Asia policy, any concerns from the Indian side, ultimately do hold importance for the US.

Pakistan needs to realize that the Pak-US relations have unfortunately never been built on the basis of equality. Over the last few months the not so ideal relationship between US and Pakistan coupled with the US’ tighter embrace of India, is creating more difficulties for Pakistan. The US will not allow for any uncalled for rifts in its “meaningful” relations with India that aims at making India the regional power to essentially counterbalance China. On the other hand Pakistan has always been approached by the US in exchange of some services and favors only. Afghanistan war is the relevant example, where Pakistan is essentially fighting a war which is not even its own, even then its gets the blame of not doing enough.

At the same time, the sacrifice of our soldiers on Pak-Afghan border has not been appreciated by the US congress. This purely transactional relationship is further fraying as the relevance of Pakistan for the US is apparently diminishing and as Pakistan is failing at convincing the US to keep an equal handed approach towards both India and Pakistan. Objectively speaking, Pakistan doesn’t have any political influence nor does it have any diplomatic leverage which it could use at this time to win the deal back in its favor. This is a severely neglected area where Pakistan’s diplomatic machinery seriously needs to work on.

Imran Khan Rubbishes Reports of Third Marriage

Chairman PTI Imran Khan has rubbished all such reports of his third marriage saying, “I haven’t even met the woman being reported as his third wife”. He said his third marriage will not take place in privacy and he will inform the public before he takes such step.

Imran Khan ✔ @ImranKhanPTI
Rumours abt my marriage absolutely baseless. I have not gotten married. When I do I will announce & celebrate publicly.
3:12 PM - 12 Jul 2016
  3,852 3,852 Retweets   8,921 8,921 likes



Earlier, sections of the media reported that Imran Khan has married a woman named Maryam from Pakpattan. She was said to be from the influential “Manika Family” of Pakpattan.

PTI central information secretary, Naeem ul Haque also refuted media reports about Imran Khan’s third marriage through his twitter account.

 Follow
 Naeem ul Haque @naeemul_haque
Rumours about IK getting married are totally wrong. He is spending time with his boys in England and will be back in Pakistan on Sunday.
1:59 PM - 12 Jul 2016
  389 389 Retweets   703 703 likes
Rumors about Imran Khan’s third marriage are rife since his comment to Hindustan Times when he said, “I haven’t given up on third marriage”.

Schools destroyed by militants in Lower Dir still remain in ruins

The continued showers of the rain and the cold weather further adds to the miseries of students studying in the Government Primary and High School of Maidan Bandai Dir Lower when they have to slack the thirst of their knowledge by sitting under the open sky. The situation becomes worse when they have to attempt the examination by holding Umbrella in one hand and attempt the paper through the other hand. It is indeed an arduous task for the students who are yet to have a proper classroom for their school which was demolished by the militants in 2009.

While the PTI led coalition government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has taken some encouraging steps in the field of education and consider it their top priority, Government Primary and High School in Maidan Bandai area of Lower Dir are still in ruins and need serious attention of the concerned authorities.

During the military operation against the militants in 2009 in Maidan Bandai area of Dir Lower, the militants had blown up a number of schools in the area which also included GPS and GHS Maidan Bandai Dir Lower. Though the PARSSA, Pak Army and lots of nongovernmental organizations carried out rehabilitation work in the schools affected by the militancy, however, these two schools remain deprived of being reconstructed and rehabilitated. T

The ANP Led government which used to take credit of establishing new universities, colleges and primary schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, did not show any resolve in their five-year term to reconstruct these schools. They failed to give a safe shelter to the students of the said schools.

The issue has been highlighted in the media time and again, however not a single brick has been put in place to start work on the rehabilitation of these schools.

Students attempting their exams under open sky in rain

Students have to suffer more in the rainy season particularly when either the teachers have to send them back to their homes or teach them in the nearby mosque. Last year, when a photograph of the students of the said school taking exam while holding umbrellas in their hands was published in the newspapers, the then Governor Engr Shaukatullah Khan and Senior Minister Siraj Ul Haq took notice of the issue. However, no practical steps have been taken so far to complete the rehabilitation work.

It is worth mentioning here that Chairman District Development Advisory Committee Dir Lower Mr. Saeed Gul is also an elected MPA from the said constituency of Maidan. He belongs to Jamaat-e-Islami which in power in KPK as a coalition partner of Tehreek-e-Insaf. However, he is yet to take any concrete steps to reduce the miseries of the students and teachers studying/teaching in the said schools.

Lower Dir School
The plight of the school in Lower Dir

Locals of the area and parents have time and again approached the political leaders, officials of the education department but they seem to be less concerned about this awful situation. “Indeed it is a dilemma that no one has taken a serious interest in rebuilding these schools and the poor parents are now more worried who cannot afford to send their children to private schools”, said Engr Hanifullah Khan, a social activist who has worked hard to bring this issue to the notice of concerned authorities.

One wonders that if there is an educational emergency declared in the province, why rebuilding process of these schools is not given a top priority. People of the area are increasingly getting disillusioned from PTI and its allied parties for not living up to the expectations to bring a change in the education sector.

Education is the backbone of any nation and without it none can progress or prosper. The teaching staff and the children are worth praising who fight the odds and continue to engage in the teaching and learning process in such worst situation. However, if serious efforts are not made to improve the deplorable condition of the school building, it may exacerbate the already low literacy rate in the area.