KARACHI: Expressing concern over the presence of 'ghost schools' in Sindh, Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman Altaf Shakoor called for these schools, which exist only on paper, to be identified, independently verified, and restored to full operation. According to Pasban Democratic Party, Shakoor emphasized that Sindh cannot afford schools that are recorded by the government but fail to function as genuine centers of learning. Each "ghost school" signifies more than an administrative failure, representing children deprived of education and public resources not achieving intended educational outcomes.

Shakoor advocated for a comprehensive and independently verifiable assessment of government schools across Sindh. The evaluation would determine whether schools physically exist, are accessible, have attending teachers, enrolled students, usable classrooms, and operate according to official records. He suggested using modern technology like geo-tagging and facial recognition systems to facilitate verification and improve educational delivery.

Highlighting an instance of overstaffing, Shakoor referenced a report of more than 50 teachers posted at a government school in Ghotki with only 21 enrolled students. He noted that political pressure and bribery contribute to such imbalances and should be addressed. Shakoor welcomed the new Facial Recognition Attendance Monitoring and Evaluation System in Sindh’s education department as a step towards accountability and transparency.

He urged that school-level information be made transparent for public monitoring and called for investigation into credible allegations of record falsification, negligence, absenteeism, or misuse of resources. Emphasizing that accountability should extend beyond individuals, Shakoor insisted on examining systemic issues that allow schools to become non-functional. He stressed the need for regular monitoring of teacher attendance and student participation, community involvement in reporting problems, and independent scrutiny of serious allegations concerning public funds or record falsification.

Shakoor concluded that Sindh requires functional schools where children receive education, and called for the eradication of corruption within the Sindh education and literacy department to prevent the perpetuation of ghost schools.