Poor internet access threatens girls’ education …

PESHAWAR: Poor internet connectivity is creating serious problems for girls pursuing education in the merged districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Students in remote areas often struggle to attend online classes. They also face difficulties downloading study material and submitting assignments.

For 16-year-old Khadija Bibi from Kurram district, finding an internet signal has become part of her daily life.

During the summer holidays, she often leaves her home and climbs a nearby hill. She carries her mobile phone with her.

She stands on the rocky slope and searches for a stronger signal. She uses the limited connection to download lecture notes and complete academic tasks.

She also tries to attend online classes from the hill. However, the weak network frequently disconnects. This causes her to miss lessons and submit assignments late.

Khadija is a BS Computer Science student at Benazir Women University Peshawar. She said unreliable internet had become one of the biggest challenges in her education.

She said students in remote areas were being left behind as education increasingly depended on digital technology.

The problem is not limited to Kurram. Thousands of girls across the merged districts face similar difficulties.

The region already has several major education challenges. Poverty remains a serious obstacle. Insecurity has also affected access to education.

Many areas also lack proper schools and other educational facilities.

The digital divide has added another challenge.

Several schools in the merged districts either do not have computer laboratories or have laboratories without working computers. Some also lack internet connections.

This prevents students from gaining basic computer skills. It also makes online education difficult.

Official data highlights the wider education crisis in the region. Benazir Income Support Programme data shows that 66 per cent of children in North Waziristan are out of school.

The rate stands at 63 per cent in Bajaur. It is 61 per cent in South Waziristan.

Mohmand and Khyber each record an out-of-school rate of 51 per cent. Kurram and Orakzai each have a rate of 47 per cent.

Girls face additional difficulties because of limited access to technology.

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Women Empowerment Policy 2026-2030 highlights the scale of the digital divide.

According to the policy, only 11 per cent of women in the merged districts have access to the internet.

The female literacy rate is also extremely low. It stands at only 17 per cent.

Education and digital inclusion advocates say poor infrastructure is a major reason for the situation.

Weak mobile networks make internet access unreliable. Many families also cannot afford smartphones or regular internet packages.

Some girls have to borrow phones from family members. This makes it difficult for them to attend online classes regularly.

Access to technology is also affected by social restrictions.

In some communities, families remain concerned about girls using mobile phones and the internet. Concerns about online safety and social pressure often result in restrictions.

Cultural norms can also limit girls’ access to digital technology.

Experts say improving internet coverage alone will not solve the problem.

Girls also need greater freedom to travel to schools, universities and training centres.

Better transport facilities could help students reach educational institutions more easily. It could also improve access to vocational training and employment opportunities.

Experts have urged the provincial government and telecommunications authorities to give greater attention to the merged districts.

They say residents should receive reliable internet services similar to those available in settled areas.

Improved digital infrastructure could transform educational opportunities for girls in remote communities.

Reliable internet would allow students to attend online classes without travelling long distances. They could access digital libraries and educational resources.

They could also develop computer skills and participate in online training programmes.

For students like Khadija, internet access is more than a technological facility.

It is directly linked to education and future opportunities.

Without reliable connectivity, many talented girls may continue to struggle despite their willingness to study.

Addressing the digital divide therefore requires investment in telecommunications infrastructure, schools, digital devices and affordable internet services.

It also requires efforts to remove social barriers that prevent girls from using technology.