KARACHI:
Despite being the largest province of Pakistan, Balochistan has the lowest literacy rate among the four provinces. Even though over 3,000 schools are located across the province, many of these do not operate at all. The schools that have managed to continue operating are also underfunded and understaffed. The annual funds allocated to the provincial education department are seldom invested in schools and are instead shared amongst the officials.
The situation further worsened during the Covid pandemic when most schools closed because of which many students and teachers permanently withdrew from education. Most citizens cannot even write their names nor are they familiar with Urdu. Consequently, Balochistan as a province has failed to develop or progress in recent years. Although some individuals have taken it upon themselves to educate children in their areas, they cannot meet the requirements of all students. Most students are unable to study past matriculation. Few can afford to travel to other provinces to complete their education.
The neglect of authorities coupled with the absence of philanthropic organisations has drawn the people of Balochistan into the stone ages. The educational department must undertake the initiative to promote and facilitate education in the province. All schools must be reformed, provided with adequate resources, and administrative staff should be hired. Also, students should be offered scholarships and grants to encourage their families to allow them to study. It is about time that the youth of Balochistan is given their due rights and the chance to improve their prospects and mobility.
Habib Ullah Aman
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, April 17th, 2022.
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