Is burning of girls' schools in GB related to Diamer-Basha Dam?

ISLAMABAD: At least 12 schools were set on fire by unidentified attackers on Thursday night in Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, raising panic and strong condemnation from local residents.

The incident occurred near Chilas but there were no casualties as the schools were closed at the time. Area residents initially informed Police about the attacks and vowed not be deterred by the incident.

No one has taken responsibility for the ghastly attacks but attackers are believed to be militants opposed to girls education and miscreants attempting to disrupt peace in the area.

Gilgit-Baltistan government spokesman Faizullah Faraq told ARY News that there were thirteen schools which include boys and girls schools, and two Army Public Schools.

However, he recalled that the incident is not the first as a similar incident occured in 2003 allegedly by extremists opposed to girls education. He said the government of GB has taken serious notice of the incident.

Location of Diamer-Basha Dam

When asked about the resurgence of extremists in the area and the timing of the incident, he said that several tribal traditions and social values are obstacles in the spread of education in the region.

He said the region has remained peaceful since the last three years, but the area is of critical importance due to the location of the Diamer-Basha Dam.

The pace of construction on the mega-project has increased pace leading to anti-state forces to take advantage of the situation. A fund has also been established to raise money as the country faces a strong water crisis.

The spokesman further said the Chief Minister GB has taken notice of the incident and a case has been lodged against unknown persons. Furthermore, an awareness campaign has been launched and anyone visiting the area is required to report to the nearest police station.

CJP takes suo motu notice

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday took suo motu notice of the incident and summoned a report from the GB home secretary and Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Secretary.

The schools that were burnt down include Girls Primary School located in Ronay, Chilas; Girls School Takya; Social Action Programme (SAP) Primary School in Hudur area; Primary School in Tabor village of Darel Valley; SAP Primary School in Tabor, Darel; Girls Primary School Sheegay Manikal, Darel Valley; Girls Primary School Galee Bala, Tangir Valley; Primary School Galee Bala, Tangir Valley; Girls Primary School Khanbary; Girls Primary School Gyal Village.

GB has been relatively free of the militant violence that has plagued some other parts of Pakistan. Basic education needs in GB are being met by private or community organisations, and a large number of primary schools have been set up by non-government organisations.