ANP to launch ‘save Landikotal’ movement

LANDIKOTAL: Amid growing public outrage over the closed state-run schools and dysfunctional healthcare facilities, Awami National Party (ANP) leaders in Landikotal on Wednesday announced a protest campaign, blaming government negligence for pushing the region into crisis.

Speaking at a press conference at District Khyber Press Club Landikotal, ANP Landikotal president Zubair Wali Shinwari said that 37 primary schools in the area were reportedly non-functional, which was a matter of deep concern. He warned that the future of children in Landikotal was at stake, but elected representatives have shown no serious response to human nature matters.

He stated that although the ANP built a record number of schools during times of conflict, the current provincial government has failed to appoint adequate teaching staff to existing institutions. According to ANP leaders, many primary schools operate with only two teachers and often one remains absent, making it impossible to manage large numbers of students.

Shinwari called on all political parties to join the planned “Save Landikotal Movement,” stressing that education is a national issue that requires collective effort. General Secretary ANP Landikotal Abdul Jabbar Afridi also raised concerns about the condition of DHQ Hospital Landikotal.

He said a tug-of-war was being played between the health staff members in the DHQ hospital. He said that the hospital is supposed to have 22 doctors but only 11 doctors run the hospital and many remain not perform duty.

He added that the hospital was also facing an electricity shortage, leading to the closure of critical departments like the blood bank. According to Tesco officials, Landikotal DHQ hospital has to pay Rs110 million arrears of the past few years.