Huge dropout witnessed in FATA schools

PESHAWAR - The already backward tribal areas of Pakistan have been further pushed back into the darkness, as the literacy rate was dipping further due to terror attacks on the educational institutes. According to new statistics, the literacy rate in Federally Administered Areas (FATA) hit by worst militancy, has decreased from 42.28 percent to 29.72 percent, as over 300 schools for girls and boys have been blown up in the area by the terrorists. Due to the growing terrorist attacks on schools in the tribal areas, the students and teachers are reluctant to attend the educational institutes, which is adding to the decreasing literacy rate. During the last six years over 300 schools have been destroyed by terrorist and there is no letup in this practice. According to a report issued by the Education Department of FATA Secretariat, about 81 schools and about 62 schools in Khyber Agency alone have been destroyed by the militants so far. The poverty-stricken tribal areas are facing massive dropout in the schools due to growing terrorism and attacks on the schools. According to figures, the dropout rate in primary schools has reached 69 percent whereas the dropout rate in class 6th to 10th has reached 54 percent. Three more schools for girls have been blown in tribal areas the other day. Educationists are of the opinion that this is a great blow to woman literacy in the region and will leave bad effects on efforts for social reforms in the area.