Stranded cable car highlights Pakistan school accessibility crisis

Israr Ahmed, (R - 2nd row) who survived after being rescued from a stranded cable car, sits with other children in a classroom at a school in Battagram, Pakistan, August 23, 2023. REUTERS/Salahuddin

BATTAGRAM, Pakistan (Reuters) - Ibrar Ahmed is relieved to be alive after being stuck on a cable car high over a river in northern Pakistan for 16 hours this week, but now the student wonders how he will make the arduous trek to class each day.

"God willing, I am going to continue with my studies, but the way to our school is so long," he said after Tuesday's ordeal, which grabbed global attention.