SWAT (SYED SHAHABUDDIN) – A growing college privatization protest erupted in Swat as students from Government Postgraduate College Saidu Sharif and Afzal Khan Lala Postgraduate College Matta staged demonstrations against the government’s decision to privatize public colleges. The protests reflect rising concern over education access and affordability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In Saidu Sharif, students blocked the main road outside their college for several hours. Meanwhile, in Matta Tehsil, protesters organized a sit-in at Matta Chowk. As a result, traffic slowed down, and commuters faced significant delays.
Protesters chanted slogans like “No to privatization,” “Education for all,” and “End anti-education policies.” They argued that privatization would deprive poor students of their right to education. Moreover, they vowed to resist the decision at all costs. If the government failed to reverse its plan, students warned their protest movement would escalate.
Administrative officers arrived during the demonstrations and initiated talks with the students. In Matta, Additional Assistant Commissioner Ajmal Khan promised to forward their demands to the Deputy Commissioner of Swat and the Commissioner of Malakand Division. Similarly, district officials in Saidu Sharif offered assurances to calm tensions.
After successful negotiations, students ended their protests and reopened roads to traffic. Although the demonstrations concluded peacefully, students emphasized their campaign against college privatization would continue.
The college privatization protest in Swat reflects broader concerns across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Earlier this year, the KP government privatized 1,500 public schools. Now, it plans to hand over 55 public colleges to private management. The Higher Education Department (HED) identified institutions with low enrollment, staff shortages, or security challenges for privatization.
Officials claim private management could improve efficiency and education quality. However, educators and student groups strongly oppose the move. Critics argue that most government colleges perform well and that the real issues—teacher shortages, lack of facilities, and governance—require attention.
Consequently, protests like those in Swat continue to gain momentum. Students fear that privatization will widen inequality and limit access to education for underprivileged communities. Their demand remains clear: protect public education and prioritize inclusive policies.
