Families Forced Out Of Schools In Bajaur Struggle Without Shelter As Education Grinds To A Halt

Displaced families temporarily sheltered in private schools in Bajaur have been ordered to vacate the premises, leaving hundreds of families under the open sky or in unsuitable places without basic support. The families say they were already deprived of their homes, and the lack of alternative arrangements has plunged them into further hardship.

One affected person, who was expelled from a school and now lives with his six children in an empty shop and warehouse, said the district administration has taken no reassuring steps so far.“Where we live, food is hard to reach and essential items are unavailable. Neither PDMA nor the district administration has provided any assistance. Whatever food we get is insufficient and of poor quality,” he said.

He added that living with small children, including girls, in a shop without electricity or washrooms is extremely difficult, and the family is enduring severe hardship.

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Deputy Commissioner Bajaur, Shahid Ali Khan, told TNN that the government is aware of the victims' problems and alternative shelter is being arranged. According to him, no family is living under the open sky or in warehouses, as they have been accommodated in schools and their food and registration processes have been completed. However, he admitted that families staying with relatives or in rented houses face challenges in food supply, for which a new mechanism is being developed.

Shoiab Rahi, a volunteer from a welfare organization active in Bajaur, said immediate provision of shelter, food, and medical aid is the need of the hour. He claimed their organization has accommodated around 70 to 80 families in different areas, providing food and free transportation. Criticizing the government, he said that although the victims' registration has been completed, rations have not yet been distributed. He added that the lack of proper shelter and food is badly affecting children's education.

Speaking to TNN, Haji Bahadur Syed, president of the private schools' association Hope Education, revealed that the current situation has disrupted the education of nearly 19,000 children. Most schools are completely closed, while those partially open have negligible attendance, affecting a total of 77,000 children due to uncertainty.

He further said that PDMA or the district administration has not compensated schools for damaged buildings.“Our buildings are going to waste, and sadly, in some schools, livestock are being kept, which undermines the sanctity of educational institutions. The government should either compensate us or arrange an alternative program for the displaced so that schools can be restored for educational activities,” he said.

The ongoing crisis in Bajaur has not only left displaced families without shelter but also deprived thousands of children of education. Victims are struggling without basic necessities and food, while school owners await government measures for compensation and restoration of learning environments.

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