At least 24 government girls’ schools in Upper and Lower Mohmand have been shut down due to a crippling shortage of staff and serious corruption allegations, local leaders revealed at a press conference Monday.
Village council heads, including Haji Naqab Shah and Dr Majeed, accused the district education officer (women) of gross misconduct, misuse of power, and orchestrated mismanagement. They claimed around 70 female teachers were transferred out of the district under political influence, rendering many schools dysfunctional.
Shockingly, they said two teachers living abroad for eight years are still drawing salaries—payments processed until March 2025. Further, 21 Class-IV employees were allegedly forced into retirement, while eight others were reinstated through bribery.
In Ambar tehsil, only one of three newly opened schools is functional—and that with just one teacher. Leaders also criticized the DEO for skipping council meetings and conducting pre-informed inspections that mask the ground reality.
Despite repeated appeals, no government action has been taken. The representatives warned of launching district-wide protests if urgent steps aren’t taken to restore girls’ education.