Over 800 teachers posts ‘lying vacant’ in Dir girls’ schools
LOWER DIR: As many as 802 teaching positions, including those of principals and headmistresses, are lying vacant in 631 girls’ schools across Lower Dir district, raising concerns among parents about the quality of education being provided to students. Talking to reporters in Timergara on Wednesday, parents of girl students complained that while they were keen to educate their daughters, a large…
In the Lower Dir district of Pakistan, a staggering 802 teaching positions, including those of principals and headmistresses, remain unfilled in 631 girls' schools, according to official figures. This teacher shortage has sparked concern among parents, who fear the quality of education their daughters are receiving. At a press conference in Timergara on Wednesday, parents expressed frustration, stating that higher secondary and secondary schools in the district have been grappling with a chronic shortage of teaching staff for years. Despite numerous requests for appointments, no progress has been made.
Parents appealed to Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and Education Minister Arshad Ayub to address the issue and ensure the prompt filling of these vacant positions. The Lower Dir education department confirmed the figures, noting that the problem has been repeatedly brought to the attention of higher authorities. A temporary solution involved hiring qualified local female teachers on low salaries, yet many left their positions shortly after due to inadequate compensation.
The political landscape has also come into play, with various groups supporting a nationwide strike called by Jamaat-i-Islami against the petroleum levy, independent power producers, and proposed tax increases in Malakand division. This strike, which began on Sept 3, has prompted markets to close in Timergara and other areas of Lower Dir.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
