Upper Dir girls’ schools may close for a week amid security concerns

The District Education Officer (Female), Upper Dir, has recommended the temporary closure of 18 girls’ schools to protect students and teaching staff.

Safety concerns prompt recommendation

The recommendation was sent to the deputy commissioner after officials raised concerns about the safety of students and teachers in border areas.

Reports from sub-divisional education officers said several schools were exposed to possible risks because of the uncertain security situation.

The education department has asked the district administration to keep the schools closed from Aug 15 to Aug 22 as a precaution.

The proposed schools include girls’ high, middle and primary schools in Panakot, Qulandai, Dobando, Umrailal and Shandalbagh.

Decision on closure still pending

Schools in Qashqari, Rokhan, Kass, Raza Banda and Khan Shaheed are also included in the proposed closure.

The letter was shared with senior officials of the Elementary and Secondary Education Department, the director of education, the deputy commissioner and the district monitoring officer.

However, the Upper Dir deputy commissioner said no final decision had been made about closing the 18 girls’ schools.

This means the recommendation is still under consideration and the schools may not necessarily remain closed.

Security situation raises concern

The recommendation comes as security operations continue in the mountainous Dobando area of Upper Dir.

A gun battle between police and suspected terrorists started on Wednesday night and continued into Thursday, with officials saying both sides used heavy weapons.

No casualties had been confirmed at the time of the report, while both sides reportedly remained in their positions.

The latest situation has added to concerns about the safety of people living and working in the border areas.

Earlier attack adds to pressure

Last month, two policemen were martyred and 16 others were injured during an exchange of fire with terrorists at Haidari Top in Lower Dir.

The police were carrying out a search-and-strike operation after receiving reports about the presence of terrorists when armed insurgents launched a sudden attack.

The resulting gun battle continued for several hours, highlighting the security challenges faced by law enforcement teams in the mountainous region.

The proposed closure appears to be a precaution rather than a permanent decision. Keeping the schools closed for a short period could give officials more time to assess the security situation.

The final decision will depend on the district administration and the conditions in the affected border areas. For families, the key concern is clear: keeping students and teachers safe while ensuring education can continue when conditions improve.

Also read: Punjab confirms August 24 reopening date for schools

Also read: Punjab orders schools to complete safety checks before reopening