Traders and teachers in Bannu have established a protest camp at the demolished site of Government High School No 2, saying the demonstration will continue until reconstruction work resumes to protect the future of local children. The City Ittehad Mutahida Tajiran, known as the United Traders Alliance, joined school staff at the site to press authorities for action on the Bannu school rebuild.
Those at the camp noted the school was demolished three years ago. While funds were approved and the official design sanctioned, protesters say the release of money and the start of construction have been repeatedly delayed. Tenders were issued and a contractor reportedly received a work order, yet no visible progress has followed and debris from the site has even been sold, they allege.
Speaking to the media, President of the Traders Association Dr Abdul Rauf Qureshi, organizer Malik Qasim Khan, Farmanullah Mirakhel, Maulana Qudratullah, Haji Arsala Khan, Asghar Khan Advocate, Maulana Anwar Shah, Mudassar Khan, Mizaullah Khan and Farooqi expressed deep concern about the stalled project. They said it was regrettable that a school originally constructed during the Hindu era has now been demolished and left abandoned by successive administrations.
The protesters questioned the government’s declared education emergency, pointing out that Government High School No 2—formerly Islamia High School—has left thousands of students’ futures at risk after pupils were temporarily shifted to another building. They warned that prolonged inaction on the Bannu school reconstruction will further undermine local education access.
Malik Qasim Khan alleged that approved funds for the project were transferred to another tehsil by a high ranking provincial official, calling the move illegal and a denial of rights to children in Bannu. Dr Abdul Rauf reiterated that when a work order is issued and funds allocated, diverting those resources elsewhere is unacceptable and must be investigated.
Protesters placed responsibility for the delay on the Communication and Works Department and vowed the camp would remain until construction begins. The traders’ alliance and teachers said they will not relent until authorities ensure the Bannu school rebuild proceeds without further obstruction.
