35 Paktika schools closed over insecurity: official
Thirty-five schools have been closed in southeastern Paktika province as a result of clashes between security forces and armed insurgents, depriving thousands of children of their lessons.
Paktika education director Mehrabuddin Shafaq told Pajhwok Afghan News that dozens of school remained closed in several districts for the past many years due to the conflict.
“At least 35 schools are closed in Paktika province, most of them in Khoshamand district. Efforts are underway with mediation of tribal elders to reopen these schools,” Shafaq added.
Zalmay Kharoti, a resident of Sharana, the provincial capital, said some schools had closed since many years for unknown reasons, so the government and Taliban should prove it that they were not involved.
A resident of Khoshamand district, who did not want to be named, told Pajhwok that there was not a single school in their district and all children there were growing illiterate.
On the other hand, Aziz Aziz, a member of the Provincial Council, blamed the closure of several schools in the province on weak management of the provincial Education Department.
“Schools are open in several Taliban-controlled areas and the other schools which are closed should be reopened by the department concerned.”
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the fighters had not closed any school in Paktika province. He said they instead were working to ‘strengthen’ the education sector.
