The province of Balochistan, has been plagued by numerous challenges for many years, including economic instability, political unrest, and a lack of access to education. Recently, the educational crisis in Balochistan has worsened, as several universities and institutions have been facing difficulties in providing quality education to their students.
One such institution is the Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in Khuzdar. The university has been struggling to provide adequate facilities and resources to its students, resulting in a decline in the quality of education. The situation at BUET is a significant concern, but it is just one of the many issues affecting education in Balochistan.
The abduction of a school teacher, Javed Baloch, who studies at Agriculture University Faisalabad, has added to the growing concerns regarding the safety and security of students and teachers in Balochistan. The teacher was reportedly abducted by Pakistani security forces and intelligence agencies from his hometown in Khuzdar. This incident has raised questions about the safety and security of students and teachers in the province.
Furthermore, the University of Turbat has also been closed until further notice due to "unavoidable circumstances." This sudden closure has left students and faculty members in a state of uncertainty, as they are unaware of the reasons behind the closure and when the university will resume its operations.
According to a report released by Alif Ailaan, a non-profit organization working for education in Pakistan, the situation in Balochistan is dire. The report reveals that 216 schools in Balochistan are dysfunctional, and over 1.8 million children are not enrolled in school. Furthermore, only 0.9 million children are currently enrolled in schools in Balochistan, while at least 2.7 million children should have been enrolled.
Out of the 12,347 schools in Balochistan, only 6% are high schools. Furthermore, 76% of children in Balochistan are enrolled in government-funded public schools, while 19% attend private schools, and 5% attend religious seminaries. The report also reveals an alarming drop-out rate in Balochistan, with only 191,300 out of 865,000 primary school students making it to middle school.
Gender disparity in literacy rates is also a significant concern, with only 37% of males and 15% of females being literate. This disparity is even more significant in rural areas.
The University of Balochistan (UOB) in Quetta is currently facing a financial crisis, causing its employees to go without pay for several months. In response, the teachers and workers have taken to the streets to gather donations, funds, and zakat to support their households.
The protestors carried donation boxes labeled with “Donations for flour”, “Donations for medicines”, and “Donations for the university”. Reports indicate that the teachers, students, and employees at the university continued their protest against the financial crisis that the university faces, gathering on Quetta’s Sariyab Road to collect donations.
The financial crisis has brought the university’s educational activities to a halt, leading a Joint Action Committee consisting of students, teachers, and university employees to boycott academic activities for a week in protest. The protestors carried donation boxes, hoping to collect funds, donations, and zakat to manage their households during the ongoing financial crisis. The employees said they have no other choice but to collect donations to survive, given the severity of the situation.
In conclusion, the educational crisis in Balochistan is a matter of concern that needs to be addressed urgently. The recent incidents at BUET, the abduction of Javed Baloch, the closure of the University of Turbat, and the financial crisis at the University of Balochistan highlight the challenges faced by educational institutions in the province. The government must take proactive steps to address these issues and provide the necessary resources and facilities to ensure that students can receive quality education in a safe and secure environment. The public also has a role to play in supporting educational institutions in Balochistan, especially in times of crisis.
References:
Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology Khuzdar faces educational crisis," The Balochistan Point, May 3, 2023.
School teacher abducted from Khuzdar, who studies at Agriculture University Faisalabad," Balochistan Voices, May 4, 2023.
University of Turbat closed on account of “unavoidable circumstances” from May 5 till further orders," The Balochistan Post, May 5, 2023.
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