shangla  –   Concerns are mounting over the widening development gap between Shangla and other districts, with local residents questioning why educational institutions in the district continue to lack basic facilities despite repeated demands and the presence of elected representatives at both the provincial and federal levels.

The debate gained momentum after Bajaur’s Member of the National Assembly, Mubarak Zeb, secured approval for new buses for government colleges in his constituency. The initiative has been widely welcomed by students, teachers, and parents, as it addresses a long-standing transportation challenge faced by educational institutions in the district. On the occasion, the lawmaker also assured the public that additional development projects would be brought to Bajaur with the support of the federal government.

In contrast, the situation in Shangla remains far from satisfactory. Despite having representation in Parliament, government colleges across the district continue to lack even basic transport facilities, creating serious challenges for students, particularly female students pursuing higher education.

Government Degree College Alpurai, one of the district’s major educational institutions, reportedly has no effective transport system for its students. Female students enrolled in BS programmes are said to travel daily through difficult mountainous terrain, rely on expensive private transport, or, in many cases, walk long distances through busy market areas to reach the college. Parents and educationists argue that these hardships not only compromise students’ safety but also negatively affect their academic performance and discourage female participation in higher education.

Sources said the college has only one bus, reportedly a 1964 model, which is in an extremely dilapidated condition and is no longer considered roadworthy. Similarly, government colleges in Puran, Chakesar, and Bisham also lack dedicated transport facilities, leaving hundreds of students without reliable access to their educational institutions.

Residents have questioned why similar facilities cannot be provided to Shangla when new college buses have been approved for neighbouring districts. They argue that Shangla should receive equal consideration in federal and provincial development planning, particularly in the education sector. Local residents believe that initiatives such as the establishment of Danish Schools, the provision of modern college transport, and investment in educational infrastructure should have been prioritised for the district.

Observers note that while many districts across the country continue to benefit from modern educational institutions, improved healthcare facilities, and upgraded infrastructure, Shangla remains one of the most underdeveloped districts, facing persistent deficiencies in education, healthcare, road networks, and other public infrastructure.

Public opinion in the district suggests that political discourse has remained focused on past achievements, such as electrification and road construction, while neighbouring districts are moving ahead with more advanced development initiatives. Residents argue that the district now requires comprehensive planning aimed at improving educational opportunities, healthcare services, transportation, and other essential public facilities.

Local residents have also expressed disappointment over what they describe as the inadequate attention given by elected representatives to the district’s pressing development needs. While political leaders often emphasise their role in provincial politics, many citizens believe greater efforts are needed to secure development projects for Shangla and address long-standing deficiencies in key public sectors.

The people of Shangla have called on both the federal and provincial governments to ensure the equitable allocation of development resources so that the district receives its fair share of education, infrastructure, and welfare projects. They maintain that only through sustained investment in public services and educational facilities can Shangla overcome decades of underdevelopment and move towards sustainable socio-economic progress.