Quetta — the provincial capital of Balochistan and one of the biggest cities of the country — has a number of educational institutions, both in the public and the private sector. Thus, there are a large number of students too. However, there is a serious dearth of libraries in what is also called the “Small London of Pakistan”. Youth come to Quetta from different cities of Balochistan to study, but the absence of libraries is turning studies into a serious challenge for them.
It goes without saying that libraries are a great help for students as an appropriate zone to read, research and prepare for exams. Many students dream of becoming engineer, doctor, civil servant, etc, and need proper study facilities. Yet the shortage of libraries in Quetta is a major obstacle to the education pursuits of the students from Balochistan. A few libraries that do exist in Quetta lack basic facilities such as proper seating, lighting and adequate power supply. Students find it difficult to spend time in such places as part of their studies.
In view of the problems that the students are facing in Quetta, the provincial government, particularly the Deputy Commissioner of Quetta, should take immediate steps to improve the condition of libraries. Relevant authorities should ensure all necessary facilities in libraries and turn them into comfortable study zones. Improving libraries will not only help students of Quetta but also those moving there from all over Balochistan.
Kifa Jan Baloch
Awaran
