LAHORE: A government girls’ primary school in Basti Jotar, Union Council Mithwan, Tehsil Taunsa, was damaged after an explosion in the Koh-e-Suleman region, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The Government Girls’ Primary School Jotar Markaz Mithwan, located in a mountainous area of Wahuwa, sustained damage to its boundary wall and one classroom as a result of the blast. Authorities said explosive material was used in the incident.
Security agencies cordoned off the area soon after the explosion and began collecting evidence to determine the exact circumstances. The incident caused fear among local residents, though no casualties were reported.
Speaking to The News, Political Agent Dera Ghazi Khan Amir Taimoor said the school was closed due to winter holidays at the time of the incident, which prevented any loss of life. He said preliminary information suggested the involvement of terrorists linked to outlawed TTP/Fitna-ul-Khawarij.
“The boundary wall and one room of the girls’ school were destroyed. There were no casualties because the school was closed,” he said, adding that authorities believe the attack was carried out in retaliation after law enforcement agencies got a school previously occupied by militants vacated in Taunsa area.
The terrorists came from the KP’s nearby areas. He further said the attackers took advantage of the tri-border and mountainous terrain. “We are fighting a continuous war against terrorism and will defeat these enemies of girls’ education,” he added, assuring that the damaged school would be restored soon.
A local source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The News that around 70 students were enrolled at the school, where only one teacher was posted. “If this incident had occurred during school days, it could have caused serious harm,” the source said, urging the government to strengthen security for educational institutions in border and remote areas. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
