LAHORE: Punjab’s Minister for School Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat, revealed on Thursday that nearly 3,000 schools were destroyed in the recent floods, disrupting the education of thousands of students across the province.
Speaking during a meeting with UNICEF Pakistan’s Representative, Pernille Ironside, the minister discussed current education sector challenges and explored areas for stronger cooperation. He highlighted that, even before the floods, the education department was struggling with limited resources. Now, with thousands of schools damaged or still underwater, the crisis has deepened.
“The department is now confronted with the challenge of rehabilitating these schools,” said the minister. To manage the displaced students, three shifts are being introduced in functional schools. Additionally, the government plans to rent private buildings and set up tent schools in affected regions.He mentioned that school rehabilitation could take up to three months. In the meantime, tuition fees have been waived for students from flood-hit areas, and scholarships will be provided to support their continued learning.
Elsewhere, severe flooding continues to affect several districts, particularly in Multan, Lodhran, and Bahawalpur. Breaches at the Noraja Bhutta embankment on the Sutlej River have caused extensive flooding, leaving many villages under 8 to 10 feet of stagnant water for over a week.
“The water isn’t going down. About 70 per cent of houses have already collapsed, and the rest will follow if nothing is done,” said Altaf Lang, a local resident. “The standing water has changed colour, and we are now seeing the spread of waterborne diseases. This is a health crisis in the making.”
Locals blame the nearby motorway for trapping the water due to inadequate culverts. However, NHA General Manager Kashif Nawaz stated, “There is no question of breaching the motorway… Water is passing through culverts underneath.”
Floods Devastate 3,000 Schools in Punjab as Villages Remain Submerged for Weeks
