February 9, 2016, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon’s latest episode reviewed the security situation of the educational institutions in KP. The second part of the program focused on psychological stresses on the students, after terrorist attacks on Army Public School (APS) Peshawar and Bacha Khan University (BKU) Charsadda, lack of women and minorities’ participation in electoral system, and the development schemes in FATA’s Khyber Agency.
The program, under the theme ‘Da Simi Jaaj’ (regional view), was aired on Tuesday. Mr. Muhammad Fahad Khan, District Nazim Charsadda, took part as a guest via telephone. Four reports were made part of the program from the districts of Charsadda, Peshawar, Swat and Khyber Agency.
The first report shared the details about the security situation in the Government Girls High School (GGHS) Aziz Khail, Charsadda, and its impact on the students. Ms. Johar Taaj, Principal, GGHS said, “The boundary wall of the school has collapsed, due to which we are always in fear. I have requested relevant authorities, but I have not received any response yet. Students have a constant fear of a terrorist attack, due to which many students don’t come to attend the classes.” A student of this school, Ms. Zuhra, said, “If the government is not able to allocate funds for us, they should let us know, so that we will start a fundraising campaign to solve this issue.” Mr. Ikram Khan, a father of four daughters, who are all studying in GGHS, said, “I cannot send my daughters to their school because of the security reason. When they are in school, I am constantly praying for their safe return.’’
The second report emphasized the impacts of terrorist attacks on APS Peshawar and BKU Charsadda. These attacks are the reason of psychological stress in the students, which does not allow them to attend their school, colleges, and universities. Ms. Munawar, a school teacher, said, “We have become psychological patients. All the time we think about these terrorist attacks and our safety. It has diverted our concentrations from studies that could prove to be very harmful in the long run.” Ms. Sana Gul, Professor in Abdul Wali Khan University (AWKU) Mardan, said, “After the terrorist attacks on BKU, my students could not even attempt their exams without the consent of their parents. Most of the students are in constant fear of attacks that is affecting their studies.”
The third report shared the details about the lack of minorities and women participation in electoral system of Pakistan. Over 1 million women did not cast their votes in previous elections in the KP alone. Mr. Farooq Shah, Head of HUJRA (a nonprofit organization in Swat), said, “The election commission should work to make the electoral system fair and accessible for women and minorities. The minorities are in assemblies on reserved seats, because of this they are not able raise a voice for themselves.” Mr. Ibrahim Deoli, a Swat based social and political activist, said, “We should focus on empowering women and elect them on open seats that will enable them to fight for their rights.” Mr. Sirjeet Singh, a minority member, said, “Our public representatives are only working for their party, not for their communities.
The fourth report highlighted the development projects in Bara, Khyber Agency. The report shared views of the public and a sitting senator about the progress in developmental schemes in the region and their importance in promoting peace. Senator Taaj Muhammad Afridi, said, “The developmental projects will give a boost to business and trade activities in the area, which will ultimately help the locals economically, as well as improving peace, health and educational conditions in the Khyber Agency.”
Mr. Muhammad Fahad Khan, District Nazim, Charsadda.
“I have frequent contacts with educational institutions’ administration, and have advised them to ensure measures to counter any security mishap in their campuses. We have allocated funds, and if more is needed, we can provide the needful to secure our children. I have received a suggestion for a special force for educational institutions’ security. The proposal is in process, and I hope that it will be approved by the provincial government.”