MINGORA, May 25: Future of students of government girls degree college Barikot looks bleak as nine posts of teachers, including that of principal, are lying vacant for last several years.

Worried students and their parents appealed to the newly-elected lawmakers to solve this longstanding demand.

The parents alleged that despite tall claims by the successive governments proper attention was not given to improve girls education in restive Swat valley. They said that former lawmakers were informed time and again about the shortage of staff in the college, but to no avail.

The degree college, situated 19km west of the district headquarters Mingora, was established in 2006 during the rule of Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal. Over 300 students were enrolled at the college at that time. The beautiful building of the college was built by the Pak army with the financial assistant of UAE government in the scenic hamlet of Barikot.

However, problem of shortage of teaching staff is affecting the students. The key post of principal (BPS-20) is lying vacant since 2009. Besides three posts of associate professors and five posts of assistant professors are also lying vacant.

Sources said that Ms Farzana, a lecturer, is performing as acting principal of the college. Moreover, the college presently has no teachers of physics, biology, Urdu, English, economics, Pashto and Islamiat. The teacher of computer science is presently on a two-year long leave.

The dismal situation of the college belies the government claim of allocation of huge amount to education sector.

Anab Sahr, a student of third year, told Dawn that due to shortage of staff the standard of education had badly been affected. She said the government should appoint qualified teachers to overcome this problem. She said getting education was basic right of every child.

Shahi Mulk Khan, father of a student, told Dawn that the college had only six teachers for over 300 students. He appealed to the government to appoint teachers to the college to save precious time of the students. He said his daughter wished to study science but due to non-availability of the relevant teachers she had to opt for arts.

Mulk Khan said the girls in Swat had showed great courage and continued to attend schools when militants had taken over the valley and threatened them with guns and bombs.

MPA-elect from the area Dr Amajd Ali told Dawn that he would try his best to get appointed qualified teachers to the college.

Provincial Director Higher Education Noorullah Khan said he would take up the matter on priority basis. He said preference in appointments would be given to local people.