In another attack targeting educational institutions, a government school for girls in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali was destroyed by explosives, spreading fear and anxiety among students.

Last week, unidentified militants blew up a government primary school in the same district, jeopardising the future of more than 600 school-going children.

The latest incident occurred in Eppi village, according to the police. The attackers planted explosive material inside the school building during the night, triggering a powerful blast that completely destroyed the structure.

According to government officials, around 250 girls were enrolled at the school. It was the only educational institution for girls in the area, where students used to travel from far-flung localities for education.

Police officials said the school was closed at the time of the explosion and no loss of life was reported. However, the blast caused severe damage to government property. Following the incident, panic gripped the area. Police reached the site, collected evidence, and launched an investigation against unknown perpetrators.

The targeting of two educational institutions within a week has raised grave concerns among students and parents in the area.

Reacting to the incident, a local tribal elder said, “Targeting educational institutions is an attack on the future of the entire nation. The tribal people will not tolerate such elements under any circumstances, and the government must immediately expose and bring the culprits to justice.”

Meanwhile, the district administration strongly condemned the attack and stated that security at schools was being further strengthened.

“Attacks on educational institutions are intolerable. Strict action will be taken against those involved, and additional security measures are being implemented to protect schools,” said the administration.

Local parents and members of civil society have also urged the authorities to ensure continuity of education by swiftly reconstructing the damaged school buildings and establishing lasting peace in the area.

In October, an explosion at a girls’ primary school in Lakki Marwat district partially damaged the building.

Last year in May, a private girls’ school was blown up by unidentified militants in Tehsil Shewa of North Waziristan district. Similar attacks also took place in May 2023 when two government schools for girls in Mirali were blown up. No loss of life was reported in the incidents.