KHAR: Speakers at a conference expressed dismay over poor condition of state-run educational institutions in Bajaur Agency and demanded provision of the required facilities.

The conference was organised by an NGO to discuss deficiencies in the government educational institutions in the agency here the other day.

Political and religious activists, tribal elders, ofhcials of local administration, education department and representatives of civil society attended the event.

The participants observed that almost all public sector educational institutions in the agency, particularly in remote and far-flung areas, had been without proper facilities since their establishment.

They noted that students faced serious problems owing to lack of basic facilities in schools. The participants pointed out that a number of schools had either been non-functional or closed for severalyears due to lack of staff and facilities.

The speakers stated that most schools in remote and hilly areas lacked proper buildings and shelters, which forced the students to either sit in the open or quit education. They mentioned that almost all schools in the agency had no proper boundary walls, washrooms and drinking water facilities.

The speakers said shortage of teaching staff had also badly affected the reputation of gov-ernment-run educational institutions.

They noted that as parents were not satisfied with the performance of government schools, they were putting their children to private schools.

The speakers said most teachers in government schools were not sincere with their job while others had been absentfor years due to unknown reasons.

They suggested that solar-powered water facilities should be built in government schools, especially in remote areas.

FATA REFORMS: PML-N MNA Shahabuddin Khan on Sunday claimed the federal government was likely to announce the Fata reforms by mid of next month.

Talking to reporters at his residence in Pashat here, he said allwas set to implement the reforms package in the tribal areas which had been recommended by the Fata Reforms Committee. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would announce the reforms package on August 14, claimed the lawmaker.

He said drastic reforms in the tribal system were necessary to offer basic and fundamental rights to the people of Fata as people had fed up with the centuries-old colonial system of governance in the region.

He hoped that the reforms package would not only ensure equitable social justice system in the tribal areas but also repeal the Frontier Crimes Regulation.

To a question, the legislator said he was sure the reforms would be according to the aspirations of the tribal people.