Balochistan’s Education Crisis

Asem Mustafa Awan
Islamabad: The state of education in Balochistan, as revealed by the caretaker minister for education, Abdul Qadir Bakhsh Baloch, is not just a cause for concern; it’s a distressing revelation that demands urgent attention from policymakers. In a province already grappling with various challenges, the educational landscape appears bleak, reflecting a broader issue that might be prevalent in other regions of Pakistan as well.
Balochistan, blessed with abundant resources and boasting the largest human resource in the form of its youth, is facing a crisis that, if left unaddressed, could have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s future. The shocking statistics provided by the caretaker minister shed light on the extent of the problem, with the closure of 3,500 schools due to a shortage of teachers being a glaring issue.
While political and departmental constraints are cited as reasons for the closures, it’s crucial for all stakeholders to come together and engage in discussions to find viable solutions. The administrative challenges can be overcome through collaborative efforts, emphasizing the need for a concerted approach to tackle the crisis.
The floods in Balochistan further exacerbated the situation, destroying 5,500 schools, of which only 50 have been repaired to date. The minister rightly emphasizes that increasing the literacy rate in the province is impossible without enrolling children in schools. The statistics paint a grim picture, with nearly a million school-going children out of school, 1,964 schools lacking proper buildings, and half of the 12,000 primary schools having only one teacher.
The infrastructure deficit is equally alarming, with 11,000 schools lacking electricity, 10,000 without water, and 1,800 lacking basic washroom facilities. These conditions not only hinder the learning environment but also pose serious health and hygiene risks for students.
While the challenges in Balochistan are stark, there are rays of hope in other provinces, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan. KP, despite facing hardships during the war on terror, managed to rebuild over 900 schools out of the 1,400 that were completely destroyed by bomb blasts. The resilience and commitment of teachers in these areas stand as examples of how collective efforts can bring positive change.
GB, reportedly boasting the highest literacy rate in the country, owes its success to initiatives by the Agha Khan Foundation. The contrast between these regions and the dire situation in Balochistan highlights the importance of strategic planning, effective governance, and targeted investments in the education sector.
However, the overarching concern remains the staggering trend of brain drain, with nearly a million people leaving the country in recent years. This, coupled with individuals seeking shortcuts through human smugglers, underscores a deeper issue that requires immediate attention at the highest level.
In the face of this educational crisis, it’s imperative for policymakers to view these challenges not as insurmountable obstacles but as opportunities for reform. Collaborative efforts, investment in infrastructure, and strategic planning can transform the educational landscape, ensuring a brighter future for the youth of Balochistan and, by extension, for Pakistan as a whole.
In examining the pictures accompanying this report, one is confronted with the stark reality of the situation. It’s a call to action, urging policymakers to prioritize education, allocate resources judiciously, and work towards creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to learn and grow. The hope lies not just in acknowledging the problems but, more importantly, in taking decisive and immediate steps towards their resolution.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.

Photo Credit: Representational Google Image