School landowners in Shangla have expressed serious reservations over the abolition of the son quota in government employment and have urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to seek a review of the court ruling, arguing that the decision adversely affects families that donated valuable land free of cost for the establishment of educational institutions in their areas.
Background of the Son Quota Issue
The concerns surfaced after the KP government issued fresh directives regarding appointments under the son quota policy in light of a recent Constitutional Court verdict. According to the instructions, all pending cases filed before September 26, 2024, involving the children of deceased government employees will continue to be processed under the prescribed quota system. However, in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling, all future appointments under the son quota after September 26, 2024, have been abolished.
Landowners' Concerns
Following the issuance of these directives, school landowners from various districts of the province, particularly Shangla, voiced strong concerns and appealed to the provincial government and the Education Department to reconsider the matter and file a review petition before the Constitutional Court. Representatives of families who had donated land for schools said they had voluntarily provided valuable agricultural and residential land to the government without any financial compensation to facilitate the establishment of educational institutions in their localities.
According to them, at the time the land was handed over, local communities were assured that their families and future generations would be given preference in employment opportunities at those schools. They argued that this understanding played a significant role in encouraging landowners to cooperate with the government and contribute to the promotion of education in remote areas.
Impact on Rural Employment
The landowners maintain that the recent decision has created uncertainty regarding the future employment prospects of their children and relatives, particularly in rural areas where job opportunities are already limited. The affected families contend that the abolition of the quota system will significantly reduce local employment opportunities for their children, leading to growing anxiety among communities that made sacrifices for the establishment of public educational facilities.
Appeal for Review
School landowners have formally appealed to the KP government, the Education Department, and other relevant authorities to take the issue seriously and file a review petition before the Constitutional Court. Meanwhile, several social activists and members of the public have also called for broader consultations and dialogue on the issue. They noted that families who donated land for schools rendered a valuable service to society and contributed significantly to the promotion of education in underserved regions.
