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KARACHI: The Sindh government’s education department has handed over a public school to a builder despite strong protests from locals and school administration.
The pre-Partition era building is located in Dalmia, considered a stronghold of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The building had now been handed over to a builder to set up a residential project. The historic two-storey Government Boys Primary and Secondary School in Manik Mai Kolachi Society of Dalmia Shantinagar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal Town, is spread over a total area of 4,000 square yards and was constructed in 1928.
The school is now being vacated and heavy machinery has already commenced work to construct the building. The builders have also smashed the records and furniture of the government school, facing stiff resistance from school administration who protested the demolition. A clash ensued and the builders allegedly tortured school students and protesting staff members.
According to reports, the builders have taken complete control of the school building. Local residents said the historic buildings will be razed to pave way for a residential project worth billions. They appealed to Chief Justice Sindh High Court and administration to take notice and save the school building.
The residents decried that children of poor families study at the school and their education will be ruined, urging to protect the building. Some residents say the building has huge significance as their parents study there and PPP leaders have also visited the school on several occasions.
“We have also been studying in this school. Now the PPP and government of Sindh are destroying our children’s future. If our school is not saved, we will not study anywhere else. We are being tortured. We must be given justice and protection,” they exclaimed.
Jamaat-e-Islami leaders Syed Qutb Ahmed, Afzal, Muhammad Talha Jadoon, Kashif, and Shaukat Musa reached the school. The Deputy Superintendent (DSP) and Station House Officer (SHO) Aziz Bhatti police station were also present but did not answer issues raised by the party leaders.
The party’s leaders said the matter is pending in the court and was to be surveyed today, then why have the builder has started demolishing the school building in violation of court order.
