By Farman Ullah
In recent days, fear and superstition spread among residents of Peshawar after rumors circulated about a mysterious “witch” roaming a cemetery near Wazir Bagh. Locals claimed to have seen a shadowy figure wandering through the graveyard at night. The story quickly gained attention in nearby areas, especially around Guldara Chowk, where people began sharing frightening tales of a “churail’s pichal peri,” a creature rooted in local folklore.
Panic gripped the community. Some residents avoided going out after dark, while others armed themselves with sticks and torches to hunt the supposed witch. What began as a simple misunderstanding soon escalated into widespread fear.
After several days, a group of locals managed to capture the mysterious figure. To their shock, it was not a supernatural being but a frightened 13-year-old girl. Fortunately, she was not harmed and was handed over to the police. Authorities later confirmed that the girl had been missing from her home for days and was suffering from mental health issues. She was safely reunited with her family, bringing the rumor to an end.
While the “witch” turned out to be harmless, the incident highlights deeper and far more serious issues facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These are the real “witches” haunting the province—illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, weak governance, and lack of basic services.
The literacy rate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stands at around 51 percent, lower than many other parts of the country. More than 4.9 million children are out of school, and approximately 37 percent of children lack access to formal education. Such figures reveal a troubling reality that continues to hinder social and economic progress.
Unemployment is another pressing challenge. A recent recruitment test saw 866,000 applicants competing for just 16,454 teaching positions, highlighting the severe shortage of job opportunities. With nearly half the population under the age of 30, the province has a large youth base, yet limited avenues for employment leave many young people frustrated and uncertain about their future.
The spread of the “witch” rumor also raises an important question: why do such stories gain traction so quickly? One key reason is the lack of education and awareness. In many rural and semi-urban areas, people still rely on traditional beliefs to explain unusual events. Without access to reliable information, fear and imagination can easily turn ordinary situations into myths.
Poor governance further compounds these issues. Development projects often fail to reach remote districts where they are needed most. Many schools lack basic facilities such as clean drinking water, electricity, and proper sanitation. Overcrowded classrooms and teacher shortages weaken the education system, making it difficult for students to complete their studies.
Healthcare remains another area of concern. Rural communities often lack access to hospitals and qualified medical staff. Patients are forced to travel long distances for treatment, placing an additional burden on already struggling families. Women, in particular, face greater challenges due to cultural restrictions and limited mobility.
Poverty deepens these problems. Many families cannot afford school supplies, uniforms, or transportation, forcing children to drop out and contribute financially at an early age. This creates a cycle where poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment pass from one generation to the next.
The Peshawar incident serves as a powerful metaphor. A community spent days chasing an imaginary threat while the real issues affecting their lives remained largely unaddressed. It reflects how fear can grow in the absence of knowledge and awareness.
Addressing these challenges requires urgent and sustained action. Education must be prioritized by building more schools, training teachers, and ensuring access for every child. Improving literacy will not only empower individuals but also reduce superstition and misinformation.
At the same time, job creation is essential. Investment in industries, technology, and vocational training can help utilize the province’s young workforce. Meaningful employment opportunities can reduce frustration and contribute to stability and growth.
Better governance and transparency are equally important. Public resources must be used efficiently, and development initiatives should focus on underserved areas. Improved infrastructure, healthcare, and economic planning can significantly enhance living conditions.
In the end, the real danger facing society is not a mythical witch in a graveyard but the persistent social and economic challenges that affect millions daily. The incident in Peshawar reminds us that while imaginary fears may fade, real problems continue to haunt communities.
The path forward is clear: instead of chasing myths, society must confront these realities. Only through education, opportunity, and effective governance can Khyber Pakhtunkhwa move toward a future defined by progress rather than fear.
