A nation that denies education to its daughters denies itself progress, prosperity and peace. Yet across Pakistan — and particularly in Balochistan — millions of girls remain out of school, their potential wasted and our collective future diminished.
Educating girls is not charity; it is the smartest investment any society can make. Educated girls become doctors healing communities, teachers inspiring generations, engineers building infrastructure, and leaders driving social change. They earn incomes that lift entire families from poverty, breaking cycles of deprivation that span generations.
The benefits extend far beyond economics. Educated women have healthier children with lower infant mortality rates. They marry later, plan families better, and make informed healthcare decisions. They are less vulnerable to exploitation, domestic violence and early marriage. Education gives girls agency over their own lives — the confidence to dream, decide, and determine their destinies.
Yet cultural barriers, poverty, inadequate school infrastructure and lack of female teachers keep countless girls confined to homes instead of classrooms. In rural Balochistan, girls’ enrollment drops dramatically after primary school due to distance, safety concerns and regressive attitudes.
We must act decisively. The government should build more girls’ schools in underserved areas, recruit and train female teachers, provide transportation and stipends for economically disadvantaged families, and launch community awareness campaigns challenging outdated mindsets.
When we educate a girl, we educate a family, a community, a nation. Pakistan’s progress depends on unlocking the potential of all its children — daughters and sons alike.
Hafsa Abdullah
Turbat
