For women of FATA, life is hard and devoid of basics

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: There is a severe shortage of water in major areas of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan, including Landi Kotal. When the men head out to earn a living, the women and young girls of these areas are forced to fetch water from far flung areas all on their own.

Eight-year-old Aasia is forced to abandon school every day only to fetch water for her house from a well that is very dangerous for a young child. “I do get scared. A lot of children have fallen in the well,” says Aasia while speaking about her daily task.

In a majority of agencies in FATA, women are forced to lead a very difficult life. Deprived of basic necessities, the women and young girls of FATA are in desperate need of the government’s attention.

In the Khyber Agency, deprived of basic needs, there is no institute of higher education for girls. Ayesha, who just recently completed her matriculation, is now teaching young girls stitching and embroidery. Owing to the absence of a higher education institution – a college or a university, she is pursuing her graduation through the Allama Iqbal Open University.

“Girls want to pursue higher education. There should be colleges and universities for them here,” she said.

The disparities don’t end here. There is only one lady doctor in Khyber Agency because of which women and girls have to travel all the way to Peshawar seeking medical attention.