ISLAMABAD – PM designate Imran Khan has strongly condemned the burning of12 schools for girls in Chilas, about 130 kilometres from Gilgit onThursday night, said Police officials.

Imran Khan has termed it a deplorable act and expressed his pain andanguish over the incident.

According to initial reports, unidentified men attacked 12 schools forgirls across Diamer district and damaged school property. The attackersalso torched some items in the schools.

The Police reports, “Explosions were also set off in two schools.”

Police have started a search operation in the area to arrest thoseresponsible.

Moreover, according to the district administration authorities, the schoolsthat were attacked were under-construction. Officials added that they willensure adequate measures are taken to safeguard schools and students.

Later on, after the attacks, local residents staged a protest at SiddiqueAkbar Chowk demanding the arrest of culprits and seeking safety foreducational institutes.

Girls’s schools are often the target of attack in the northern areas ofPakistan.