LANDIKOTAL: Authorities on Monday ordered the closure of 37 more schools and colleges located near border areas in Khyber district in view of the recent escalation along the Pak-Afghan border, a senior official said.
The deputy commissioner Khyber said all government and private schools for boys and girls in the border areas in Landikotal had been closed until further orders in light of the prevailing situation.
An official notification said 29 schools for boys and eight for girls, including private ones, had been ordered to close amid Pak-Afghan tensions.The schools were situated in Landikotal, Bazaar Zakhakhel and Loey Shalman areas.
A letter was issued to the district education authorities to ensure implementation of the decision.The deputy commissioner said that the move was taken due to alleged provocation from the Afghan side and the tense border situation.He added that the purpose of closing the educational institutions was to ensure the safety and security of students and teachers.
“The situation is being monitored and a decision about the resumption of academic activities will be made once conditions improve,” the official said.Meanwhile, Landikotal Tehsil Chairman Shah Khalid Shinwari,
Traders Union president Rafiullah Shinwari and local government representatives announced the closure of the main market for security concerns arising from the Pak-Afghan tensions.In a video message on social media, Shah Khalid Shinwari urged traders and consumers to avoid unnecessary work under the current circumstances.
He advised citizens to follow precautionary measures issued by the government, close their businesses temporarily and cooperate with security forces and law enforcement agencies to prevent any untoward incident.
Separately, heavy gunfire from both sides was reported near Bazaar Zakhakhel that indicated an intensification of clashes along the Pak-Afghan border.Multiple mortar shells fired from the Afghan side reportedly landed in Teli Killay and Pakistan Killay. However, no casualties were reported.It may be added here that around a dozen schools located near Pak-Afghan border were closed down two days ago.
