Balochistan Government Spokesman Shahid Rind announced that the provincial government is committed to resolving governance challenges and improving the education sector through a clear and strategic approach.
Speaking at a press conference at the Chief Minister's Secretariat on Friday, he detailed the government's ongoing and upcoming reforms.
To address teacher shortages, the provincial government plans to recruit approximately 12,000 teachers in two phases under a contract policy. In the first phase, orders for the appointment of 3,891 teachers, selected through test interviews conducted by Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University, will be issued next week.
The second phase will involve recruiting 9,000 more teachers, ensuring merit-based selection by comparing candidates' academic credentials.
Rind also highlighted measures to curb malpractice in examinations. Administrative officers will now serve as superintendents at 430 examination centers across Balochistan, which will be equipped with CCTV cameras.
Frontier Corps (FC) personnel will also be deployed to enforce a 300-meter restriction around examination centers. Individuals violating this rule will face FIRs.
To prevent fake degree submissions, the Anti-Corruption Establishment has been directed to investigate complaints rigorously. Any candidate found guilty of submitting fake degrees or engaging in illegal activities will face legal action, disqualification from government jobs for three years, and immediate arrest.
The government is also enhancing the salary packages for contract teachers to encourage better performance and dedication. Rand emphasized the government's determination to maintain the continuity of education reforms and ensure transparency and merit in all recruitment stages.
These steps, he noted, reflect the provincial government's resolve to bring lasting improvements to Balochistan's education system.
Education in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province by area, faces significant challenges, as highlighted by recent statistics.
According to the Balochistan Education Statistics 2022-23 report, 22.1% of schools in the province are nonfunctional, indicating a substantial gap in educational infrastructure.
The province also grapples with a high number of out-of-school children. Reports from June 2024 reveal that over three million children in Balochistan are not attending school, underscoring a critical educational crisis.
Gender disparities further exacerbate the situation. As of 2022, the literacy rate for females in Balochistan was only 33%, compared to 46% for males, reflecting a significant gender gap in education.
The met adjusted enrollment rate (NAER) for primary education in Balochistan stands at 31.8%, indicating that only about 31.8% of children of official primary school age are enrolled in primary education.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve educational access and quality in Balochistan. Addressing infrastructure deficits, promoting gender equality, and implementing effective policies are essential steps toward enhancing the educational landscape in the province.
The education crisis in Balochistan is compounded by inadequate teacher availability and insufficient training. According to recent reports, over 50% of schools in the province operate with only one teacher, creating a serious strain on the quality of instruction.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ