Shafaat Afridi
JAMRUD: Under a China-Aided Project, a major transformation has taken place in the education sector of District Khyber, where dozens of school buildings destroyed during the era of terrorism have now been reconstructed with modern facilities.
In an exclusive media interview, Maqbool Azam, Executive Engineer (XEN), Communication & Works (C&W) Building Division, District Khyber, said that with the cooperation of the China Assistance Program, 50 educational institutions have been successfully constructed in Tehsil Bara. These include 35 primary schools, seven middle schools, seven high schools, and one senior high school, catering to both male and female students.
He stated that many schools in Bara Tehsil and Tirah Valley were destroyed by militants using explosives, forcing students to study under open skies for years amid extreme weather conditions. The newly completed project aims to reverse that damage and restore access to quality education.
According to Azam, all 50 schools have been completed, handed over to the Education Department, and are fully operational. The buildings have been constructed according to modern architectural standards and are equipped with solar power systems, clean drinking water facilities, electric coolers, and proper sanitation systems.
The total estimated cost of the project is PKR 3.21 billion, out of which PKR 2.98 billion has already been utilized. He emphasized that the project reflects efficient coordination between the C&W Department, Education Department, and the Chinese management team.
The project was implemented under the South Asia Division of the Department of Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce of China, with on-ground management by China Railway 17th Bureau Group Co., Ltd. Special appreciation was expressed for Mr. Li Hongliang, Head of the Chinese Management Team, for his consistent support, technical oversight, and effective coordination throughout the project, which ensured timely completion and high construction standards.
District Education Officer Misri Khan and District Education Officer Mrs. Samina Ghani praised the Chinese management team and stated that these schools are among the finest in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They urged further government funding to accelerate similar projects in the region.
Local teachers and students also welcomed the initiative. Gul Bar Khan, a teacher at Government Primary School Zarmat Jan Killi, said the new building has significantly improved the learning environment. A 7th-grade student, Ismail, expressed hope that the modern school facilities would help him achieve his dream of becoming a doctor or engineer.
The China-Aided School Reconstruction Project marks a significant step toward eliminating educational backwardness in District Khyber and promoting long-term peace and development.
