PHC CJ voices concern over ‘poor’ education standard in KP

Peshawar High Court Chief Justice SM Attique Shah expressed concern over the deteriorating standard of education in the province, stating it was heading toward collapse. During a hearing on a contempt petition, Shah criticised the province for sidelining educational priorities and diverting funds to other areas. The students, including Lentha Iqbal and others, filed the petition against the non-implementation of a court order from earlier this year, which mandated the University of Peshawar (UoP) to disburse funds under the Need-Based Scholarship Programme (NBSP) to entitled students.

The UoP was directed by the court to release the remaining funds to the university and disburse all amounts received or to be received from the HEC to the entitled students. However, this order has not yet been implemented. The chief justice pointed out the university's failure to maintain Peshawar's oldest institution, mentioning that landlords on university-owned land pay only Rs500 rent, subletting it for up to Rs500,000.

Shah also highlighted the closure of several departments at the university due to lack of student interest and unnecessary recruitments, leading to a faculty shortage. The hearing was adjourned, with the university administration instructed to resolve the students' issue and the HEC notified to respond to the petition.