The Balochistan Students Organisation (BSO-Pajjar) has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating state of education in the province, with its Central Committee deciding to hold a roundtable conference to address the institutional decline and educational challenges facing the region.
The move comes as educational institutions in Balochistan continue to struggle due to administrative corruption, financial crises, and a lack of effective governance. BSO-Pajjar, led by its chairman, Balaach Qadir Baloch, has pointed out the critical issues impacting universities, colleges, and schools, which have left students and faculty in a state of despair.
Education in Crisis: Corruption, Fee Hikes, and Neglect
Speaking at a recent press conference, BSO-Pajjar’s chairman, Balaach Qadir Baloch, did not mince words as he outlined the severe problems plaguing Balochistan’s education sector.
He stressed that the education system has become a business, where administrative corruption, poor planning, and a culture of favoritism have significantly harmed educational institutions.
According to Mr. Baloch, universities that were once seen as bastions of higher learning have now been reduced to financial ruin, with staff often going unpaid for months.
Mr. Baloch noted the ongoing protests by university staff over unpaid salaries, highlighting the dire conditions at institutions like Makran Medical College.
Faculty members there have been protesting for days, and government inaction has caused significant disruptions to academic schedules, leaving students without classes and faculty without pay. The situation, he said, is emblematic of a larger failure to address systemic issues in the province’s education sector.
Furthermore, Mr. Baloch criticized the sharp increase in fees at universities across the province, stating that these hikes place an undue burden on students and their families.
He also pointed out the inactivity at Shaheed Sikandar University in Khuzdar and the delays in establishing universities in Rakhshan and Naseerabad, depriving vast regions of access to higher education. This neglect, he lamented, is evidence of the government’s lack of prioritization of education in Balochistan.
A Decade of Delay: Kohlu Girls College Still Inactive
One of the most glaring examples of government negligence in Balochistan’s education sector is Kohlu Girls College. Established in 2007, the college was meant to provide educational opportunities for young women in the region. However, more than a decade later, the institution has yet to start classes due to the absence of faculty appointments. This delay has effectively deprived generations of young women of access to education, perpetuating the cycle of underdevelopment and marginalization.
Mr. Baloch emphasized that the issues facing Kohlu Girls College are not isolated, as many educational institutions across Balochistan suffer from similar problems, including a lack of funding, resources, and qualified staff.
The BSO-Pajjar Central Committee discussed these educational challenges at length during its recent meeting, where members expressed frustration over the government’s failure to uphold its constitutional responsibility to provide education to all citizens.
The committee also noted that the broader political and social situation in Balochistan has further exacerbated the education crisis.
The lack of implementation of the Constitution and laws in the province has led to widespread corruption, mismanagement, and a breakdown of public services, including education. In this context, BSO-Pajjar’s planned roundtable conference aims to bring together stakeholders to discuss solutions to the province’s educational decline and propose actionable reforms.
Freedom of Expression Under Attack: NOC Requirement for Press Conferences
In addition to educational concerns, BSO-Pajjar also voiced alarm over the increasing restrictions on freedom of expression and political activity in Balochistan.
At the press conference, Mr. Baloch strongly condemned the government’s decision to place student leaders, political workers, civil society members, and teachers on the Fourth Schedule list, effectively limiting their ability to engage in public life and contribute to societal development.
One particularly troubling development, according to Mr. Baloch, is the government’s requirement of a no-objection certificate (NOC) for holding press conferences and seminars at the Quetta Press Club. He described this move as a blatant attempt to stifle dissenting voices and prevent the public from accessing critical information.
By controlling the narrative in the media, the government is exercising an alarming degree of control over public discourse, which Mr. Baloch said is a clear violation of constitutional rights.
BSO-Pajjar’s chairman also condemned the harassment of peaceful political activists, who face false accusations, trolling, fake First Information Reports (FIRs), and threats. He noted that these actions have created an environment of fear and intimidation, making it difficult for individuals to speak out against government policies or advocate for their rights. Most recently, the government has even placed teachers on surveillance lists, further eroding trust between the authorities and civil society.
The education system in Balochistan is in crisis, with institutions struggling due to financial mismanagement, government neglect, and a lack of resources. BSO-Pajjar has raised the alarm over these issues, calling for immediate action to address the decline in educational standards and to provide equitable access to education across the province.
The organization’s planned roundtable conference is a crucial step towards finding solutions to these problems, but it is clear that without sustained government commitment and reform, Balochistan’s educational future remains uncertain.
At the same time, BSO-Pajjar’s criticism of the government’s increasing restrictions on freedom of expression highlights the broader challenges facing civil society in Balochistan.
As the province continues to grapple with political and social instability, the voices of students, teachers, and activists are being silenced, leaving little room for public debate or dissent. It is crucial for the government to address these issues, not only to improve the state of education but also to ensure that fundamental rights are upheld for all citizens.
