The government is spending billions of rupees over promotion of education sector in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) every year and as a result of huge investment in education sector the number of educational establishments has gone up to 5349 in 2006-07 against 4842 in 2002-03 while enrolment registered an increase of 32 percent.
A total of 507 more educational institutions were established, according to a handout of the Fata Media Cell, during the past four years, out of which 288 were community schools, 182 primary schools, 17 middle schools and 27 high schools. Ten more colleges were also established during the period. Enrolment in the all institutions of tribal areas recorded tremendous increase, 32 percent, since 2002.
All the new institutions, according to the handout, are being established on 60:40 ratio for girls and boys, in a bid to improve the female literacy rate in tribal areas. The government has spent Rs 42 million during the year 2006-07 to provide free textbooks to female students enrolled in government schools of Fata.
A total of 559,521 students were enrolled in schools and colleges during 2006-07 against 422,688 in 2002-03 after the tribal youth were provided more opportunities at their nearest. Presently 290,443 were studying in primary schools, 69,703 in middle, 103,095 in high and 7186 were being imparted education in higher secondary schools. Besides, 11,107 students were enrolled in colleges, 14,036 in mosque schools, 61,685 in community schools and 2274 in industrial homes.
All these statistics reflect 29 percent more enrolment was recorded in primary schools, 5 percent in middle, 27 percent in high and 51 percent in higher secondary schools. Apart from that, 97 percent more students got admission in colleges, 2 percent in mosque schools, 157 percent in community model schools and 7 percent more students were enrolled in industrial homes for girls.
Over 2593 more teachers were recruited during the past four years with an over all 14 percent increase to meet the requirements after an outstanding increase in establishments and enrolment. At present a total of 21504 teachers were imparting education in different institutions. The number of teachers in 2002-03 was 18,911.
During the past four years, three degree colleges were upgraded and postgraduate classes were introduced in the colleges of Khar (Bajaur Agency), Parachinar (Kurram Agency) and Miranshah (North Waziristan Agency).
There was only one higher education facility for girls in all the seven tribal agencies, which have now increased to 11 in the past four years as the government has focused more on boosting up female literacy.