KARACHI:
Education is the foundation of a prosperous society, yet children in Tehsil Gichk, District Panjgur, Balochistan, are reportedly being deprived of this fundamental right because of a severe shortage of teachers.
According to information provided by local residents, Gichk has 12 government schools, but only seven are operational. The remaining five have reportedly closed because of insufficient teaching staff. This situation is deeply concerning, particularly for families which cannot afford private education and depend entirely on government schools.
When schools remain closed, children lose valuable learning opportunities, fall behind academically, and face uncertain educational futures. Girls and children from disadvantaged households may suffer particularly serious consequences because alternative educational facilities are often difficult to access.
The District Education Officer and provincial education authorities must urgently investigate the situation and appoint qualified teachers to the affected schools. Authorities should also monitor staff attendance, ensure regular classes and establish a system for reporting prolonged school closures.
Every child deserves access to quality education, regardless of where they live or how much their family earns. The government must take immediate action to reopen the five reportedly closed schools and ensure that children in Gichk are not left behind.
Mujeeb Ishaq
Dashti Bazaar
