Kashgal News – Special Report
Across Pakistan-administered Jammu & Kashmir, the deteriorating condition of educational institutions and the absence of basic facilities have pushed the region’s education system to the brink of collapse. The government’s continued negligence and lack of seriousness have left students, parents, and education experts deeply frustrated.
Muzaffarabad District
Nearly two decades after the 2005 earthquake, hundreds of school buildings remain unreconstructed. Dozens of institutions are still operating from temporary shelters or rented facilities. Most lack science laboratories and computer rooms altogether, depriving students of essential learning opportunities.
Poonch Division
The shortage of teachers is a pressing issue here. Many high schools have no instructors for mathematics, physics, or chemistry, leaving students struggling to prepare for examinations. Parents say they are forced to bear the heavy burden of private tuition fees.
Bagh District
In Bagh, school and college buildings are in a state of extreme disrepair. Many have become unsafe due to rain and landslides, forcing students to study under constant risk to their lives.
Haveli District
In remote villages of Haveli, several schools function with only one teacher handling entire primary or middle school classes. Parents complain that the government continues to make promises but takes no practical steps to address the crisis.
Neelum Valley
Despite harsh snowfall and geographical challenges, the state of education here is described as a tragedy. Many schools remain closed for up to six months of the year, causing students to lose an entire academic session.
Bhimber, Kotli & Mirpur
In these districts, the lack of basic facilities is stark. Many schools have no proper furniture or access to clean drinking water. Frustrated by government neglect, parents are turning to private schools, where high tuition fees are beyond the reach of low-income families.
Experts Warn of Declining Literacy
Education experts argue that much of the education budget in Pakistan-administered Jammu & Kashmir is lost to corruption, while genuine development projects exist only on paper. They warn that if the situation persists, literacy rates in the region could decline sharply in the coming years.
Parents’ and Students’ Demands
Parents and students are demanding immediate action: the reconstruction of schools and colleges, the appointment of qualified teachers, and the provision of modern facilities. Without urgent reforms, they warn, the education crisis could escalate into a full-blown social disaster.
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