MURREE: In a remote corner of Murree, a government school has become a beacon of academic excellence — despite struggling with severe neglect and a shortage of basic facilities.
The Government Girls High School (GGHS) Aliot has consistently produced top results for nearly a decade, earning the reputation of an “educational miracle” in the area. Yet, more than 300 students share a single bathroom, the IT lab has been dysfunctional for years and critical teaching posts remain vacant.
In a heartfelt appeal to Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, the school has sought urgent attention to its plight, calling for essential staff, functional labs, water supply and safety measures.
The school’s performance record is nothing short of remarkable. Between 2018 and 2025, its pass rate rarely dipped below 90 per cent, with several years reaching a perfect 100 per cent. Dozens of students secured top A+ and A grades despite the odds, most of them belonging to poor families.
According to the record, in 2018, the pass rate was 80pc; in 2019 it was again 80pc with 7 A+ and 7 A grades; in 2020 the pass rate reached 90pc with 4 A+ and 6 A grades; in 2021, the pass rate was 100pc with 5 A+ and 5 A grades; in 2022, it was 95pc with 8 A+ and 6 A grades; in 2023 it was 70pc with 3 A+ and 3 A grades; in 2024 it again reached the maximum 100pc with 7 A+ and 3 A grades; and again in 2025 it showed 100pc result, with 5 A+ and 3 A grades in SSC-II, and a 95pc pass rate with 12 A+ and 4 A grades in SSC-I.
According to locals, the credit goes to the dedication of teachers — some of whom have even paid out of their own pockets to hire part-time instructors for missing subjects. “This is not just a school, it is a story of resilience held together by sheer willpower,” said one teacher.
The letter to the CM highlights the daily struggles of students. For over 300 girls, there is only one washroom. A falling rock recently crashed through the roof during holidays, damaging furniture and raising concerns about student safety.
The post of headmistress is vacant, while the school urgently needs a science, mathematics, IT teacher, a clerk and a sweeper. Teachers also highlighted the dire need for a proper water system and safe infrastructure to prevent future accidents.
Although, an IT lab was built in 2012, it has long been defunct, with damaged wiring leaving students deprived of modern education. “We wish to introduce IT and AI short courses, but without teachers or a working lab, this is impossible,” reads the appeal. A science lab created by teachers themselves also requires upgradation.
There is no playground, no hall and no dedicated space for co-curricular activities.
Locals say GGHS Aliot has become a model for other schools through the hard work of its students and teachers, yet the government has failed to recognise its achievements.
“The students are not asking for luxury, only the basic tools and a safe environment to secure their future,” reads the appeal.
The school community hopes Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will intervene to protect what they call “an exceptional institution that continues to shine against all odds.”