KARACHI:
The Pak-China Gwadar University in Lahore may have been initiated with good intentions, aiming to foster collaboration and educational advancement. However, the university’s establishment away from the region it claims to serve, and the neglect of local expertise are legitimate causes for concern. The project, rather than addressing the genuine needs of Balochistan’s residents, perpetuates injustice, geographic disparity, and cultural erosion.
Policymakers and stakeholders need to take these concerns into account and engage with Balochistan’s citizens to develop educational initiatives that empower the local population and ensure a more equitable and inclusive future for Balochistan. The Pak-China Gwadar University, initially touted as a collaborative effort between Pakistan and China, was envisioned to become a hub of education and research. It was promoted as a means to foster academic excellence and contribute to the socio-economic upliftment of the region. However, the location of this ambitious project has sparked outrage and cries of injustice from the people of Balochistan.
By establishing the university in Lahore, rather than in Balochistan itself, the government inadvertently sends a message of neglect and indifference towards the province. This reinforces the perception that the interests of the Baloch people are not a priority. Balochistan already lags in terms of literacy rates, quality of education, and access to higher education institutions. By placing a major university far from the province, these disparities will further exacerbate and deny the Baloch youth an opportunity to benefit from the institution that was ostensibly meant to uplift them.
Shahid Naseer
Turbat
Published in The Express Tribune, August 5th, 2023.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
