CSS (Central Superior Services) is a competitive examination in Pakistan. Every year, 13,800 students take the test, but only 408 or fewer pass with great marks, and even fewer qualify for the post. This year, the test was taken from February 15 to February 25, and approximately 39,630 candidates applied.
Out of the almost 40 thousand candidates, there was not a single student from Balochistan. The process of preparing for the test is extremely hard as it demands a lot of hard work and intelligence. Students are required to be experts in Pakistan studies, Islamic studies, English speaking, and English writing.
Now, not only are the students of Balochistan skilled in all of these subjects, they are deeply knowledgeable about other subjects as well. Why then are they not taking the test? The issue is simple. There are no good preparation facilities available in Balochistan, neither consistent internet access.
There are more than 120 institutions located in areas such as Turbat, Khuzdar, Lasbela and Quetta, but they lack updated curriculums and trained professors, forcing a lot of students to move to Punjab for preparation.
Furthermore, the environment of these institutions deters women from joining. There are no washrooms, electricity, or local buses for commuting. Oftentimes, there aren’t even enough chairs and students have to stand for the duration of a lecture.
Additionally, there isn’t a single network tower providing proper internet facilities in Balochistan. The existing towers in places like Grashag and Jahoo lack batteries or electricity connections.
How, then, can a student prepare for CSS exams and improve their life? These students are living in primitive conditions with no resources. Without internet access, they can’t even access updates or even the results of their tests.
On behalf of the students of Balochistan, I appeal to the government of Pakistan to take action, for the nation and for future leaders. It is imperative that the students of Balochistan are not left behind in our quest for success.
Ikram Ghafoor
Turbat
