Parachinar Schools Remain Closed Despite End of Winter Break, Students’ Future at Risk

The lack of textbooks, uniforms, and transportation fuel has further exacerbated the situation, leaving students in limbo

Despite the official end of the two-month winter break, educational institutions in Parachinar remain shut, raising concerns among students and parents over potential academic loss. The lack of textbooks, uniforms, and transportation fuel has further exacerbated the situation, leaving students in limbo.

School owners and principals, including Marjan Ali and Muhammad Hayat Khan, expressed frustration over the situation, stating that students had already lost valuable academic time in 2024 due to unrest. 

Now, even as the 2025 academic session is set to begin, schools are unable to reopen due to the unavailability of books and severe fuel shortages for transportation.

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Calls for Government Action

Educational heads have urged the government to restore transportation routes and ensure the supply of textbooks immediately. They highlighted that the five-month-long road closures have negatively impacted all sectors of life, with black-market fuel prices soaring to Rs. 1,200–1,500 per liter, making it unaffordable for students and teachers.

Warning of Protests if Schools Remain Shut

School administrators warned that if the routes are not reopened, educational institutions will remain closed, and protests will also begin. They emphasized that Parachinar's education standards are comparable to Islamabad and Abbottabad, but the ongoing unrest is now severely affecting the academic sector.