HEC Test in Kurram Suspended Due to Security and Disaster Concerns

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has suspended the Higher Education Commission (HEC) scholarship entry test in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kurram district due to worsening security conditions. The decision came just hours before the test, which was originally scheduled for December 26.

The petitioner argued that the deteriorating security situation in Kurram made it unsafe to conduct the test in the district. In light of these concerns, the court has issued a written order postponing the test temporarily. Additionally, the court directed HEC to make alternative arrangements, including holding the test in Sadda, a nearby location that is safer for students from Kurram.

This decision is significant for students from Kurram and other underprivileged areas such as Balochistan and the former FATA region. The HEC allocates 100 seats to students from these regions, emphasizing the need for a secure and accessible testing environment. The court has also summoned HEC officials to appear on December 31 to discuss the matter further.

Kurram Declared a Disaster-Hit District Amid Sectarian Violence

Just days before the court’s order, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Cabinet declared Kurram a disaster-hit district following a series of violent sectarian attacks. These clashes have claimed over 100 lives, leaving the region in turmoil and cutting off vital road links.

The provincial cabinet, led by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, convened on December 23 to address the crisis. After the meeting, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Information, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, confirmed that the cabinet had approved a “relief emergency” for the district. This declaration allows for immediate mobilization of resources to provide essential supplies, including food, medicine, and emergency transportation.

The provincial government has committed to ensuring the delivery of aid through helicopters, given the road closures caused by the violence. This effort aims to alleviate the hardships faced by the residents, who have been struggling with a severe shortage of necessities.

Relocation of Test to Support Disadvantaged Students

In addition to addressing security concerns, the PHC has emphasized the importance of ensuring fair access to educational opportunities for students from marginalized regions. Relocating the HEC scholarship entry test to Sadda not only prioritizes safety but also supports the academic aspirations of students from disaster-hit Kurram, Balochistan, and FATA.

The court’s decision highlights the broader challenges faced by students in conflict-prone areas, where access to education is often disrupted by insecurity. By advocating for a safer and more accessible venue, the PHC aims to uphold the right to education for all students, irrespective of their geographical or socio-political challenges.

Ali Hassan

Ali Hassan, a trusted expert with 5 years of experience, delivers reliable insights across diverse topics like news, jobs, education and trends on biseworld.com, ensuring authentic information with excellence.