Explosion Destroys Government High School Shamazan Kot
A government high school in North Waziristan suffered extensive damage in a suspected drone strike late Wednesday night. The incident occurred in the Miami Kabul Khel Dorazinda area of Shewa tehsil. Government High School Shamazan Kot reportedly had nearly 80 percent of its structure reduced to rubble. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, as the school was closed at the time.
Local residents described hearing a powerful explosion that shook nearby villages. Panic and fear spread across the area, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the conflict-affected district. A senior district official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the blast. Authorities are collecting evidence to ascertain whether the explosion resulted from a drone strike or another type of attack.
Security forces and district police have cordoned off the site and launched a search operation. Officials also announced plans to strengthen security around all educational institutions in the district. Emergency measures will be taken to rehabilitate and reconstruct the damaged school building, ensuring that educational activities can resume safely.
Concerns Over Education and Community Impact
Local residents expressed serious concerns about the timing of the attack, as schools in the area were scheduled to reopen on March 1. Parents and tribal elders fear that such incidents may further disrupt education and prevent children from returning to school.
“Education here is already struggling. If schools themselves are targeted, what future will our children have?” said an elderly tribal elder. A parent also told reporters that the government must prioritize rebuilding the school and ensuring long-term peace, allowing children to pursue education without fear.
Repeated attacks on educational infrastructure have already affected North Waziristan and surrounding tribal districts. In previous incidents, militants have targeted school buildings with explosives, while some schools have sustained damage during security operations. Only a few weeks ago, another alleged drone strike in the same area injured a student and a teacher, with investigations still ongoing.
Rising Attacks on Schools Across the Region
The latest incident reflects a broader trend of attacks on educational institutions in Pakistan’s conflict zones. In May 2024, a private girls’ school in Shewa was blown up by unidentified militants. Similar attacks occurred in May 2023 when two government girls’ schools in Mirali were destroyed. Fortunately, no lives were lost in these cases.
While infrastructure attacks are more common in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also experienced a rise in recent months. Authorities and security experts stress the need for enhanced protection of schools and critical infrastructure to prevent further disruption to education.
The North Waziristan strike underscores the fragile security situation in Pakistan’s tribal districts. Officials have pledged reconstruction and tighter security, but locals continue to fear for the safety and future of students in the region.
