The Tragedy at Tari Mengal High School: A Stark Reminder of the Right to
Life and Education”
By,
Humera Ambareen,
On an unfortunate morning of 04 May 2023, the Kurram Valley was once again plunged into
turmoil as a consequence of the cold-blooded murder of 7 school teachers by a violent mob at
Tari Mengal High School, Kurram.
The tragic incident at Tari Mengal High School in Kurram is a stark reminder of the importance
of protecting the right to life and combatting prejudice and discrimination. Article 2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights states that everyone has the right to life, and
it is the responsibility of the state to protect this right. The attack on the school, which claimed
the lives of several teachers and attendants, is a heinous violation of this fundamental right.
Moreover, targeting the Shiite community in the attack highlights the urgent need for measures
to combat prejudice and discrimination, as outlined in Article 7 of the International Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The tragedy at Tari Mengal High
School sheds light on the devastating consequences of failing to address the root causes of
discrimination and prejudice.
Beyond this tragedy’s legal and ethical implications, it is important to remember the human cost
of such violence. The victims of this attack were not faceless statistics, but individuals with
families, friends, and dreams for the future. They were dedicated educators, committed to
providing their students with the knowledge and skills they needed to build a better life. Their
loss is a tragedy for their loved ones and the entire community, which has been robbed of their
expertise and guidance. Their absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, and a sense of grief that
will be felt for years to come.
The government of Pakistan and the education department have a significant responsibility in
ensuring the safety and security of students, teachers, and educational institutions. In the case of
the Tari Mangal High School tragedy, it is apparent that adequate measures were not taken to
safeguard the lives of those present at the school.
The incident occurred during school hours, highlighting a significant security and law
enforcement lapse. The government and education department must take steps to ensure that
students and teachers can perform their duties without fear of violence and attack.Additionally, the government and education department must work towards promoting tolerance
and respect for all ethnic and religious groups in the country. Discrimination and prejudice have
no place in the education system, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that students
and teachers alike feel safe and valued regardless of their backgrounds.
Furthermore, the government and education department must provide support and resources to
the families of the deceased and injured. This includes financial assistance for medical bills and
counseling services to help them cope with the trauma they have experienced.
To put it briefly, the Tari Mengal High School tragedy is a wake-up call for the governing bodies
and education department to take action and implement measures to ensure the safety and
security of students, teachers, and educational institutions. The government must also promote
tolerance and respect for all groups and support those affected by such incidents. The
The government must intensify its efforts to protect the right to life and tackle prejudice and discrimination
