KARACHI:
Balochistan is considered the most backward and deprived province of the country. Most areas lack basic facilities such as access to clean drinking water, road infrastructure, education, etc. The province has a high rate of hunger, malnourishment, and disease. The few public hospitals in Balochistan are not equipped with proper healthcare equipment and lack practitioners and other staff.
Each year hundreds of students drop out of education due to poverty as well as poor educational standards. Roughly 72% of boys do not go to school, while 83% of girls are deprived of basic education. Most schools are in poor condition as they lack roofs, sanitation, and furniture. They are managed by a few underqualified teachers and the curriculum used is usually outdated. The absence of a strong education system is one of the major concerns of the people as the province is lagging in development and progress. Baloch students struggle with university admissions and later with jobs. Due to this, most of the Baloch youth are compelled to work as manual labour or in other low-paying jobs.
The federal and provincial governments should address the myriad challenges faced by the people of Balochistan. A holistic development initiative should be taken to provide the people with good healthcare and educational facilities. The Baloch youth should be given the opportunity to develop themselves and participate in the workforce.
Abdul Wahab
Balnigwar
Published in The Express Tribune, February 26th, 2023.
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