Baloch Students Action Committee Condemns Sudden Closure of Educational Institutions in Balochistan
Turbat:The spokesperson of the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) issued a statement expressing grave concern over the deteriorating educational system in Balochistan, highlighting the lack of basic infrastructure, shortage of teachers, absence of transport facilities, and severe budget constraints faced by educational institutions across the province. The statement emphasized that many remote areas of Balochistan do not have any basic educational institutions, and where schools or colleges exist, the lack of essential facilities has resulted in negligible enrollment. The widespread issue of teacher shortages and absenteeism is further exacerbating the situation.
The BSAC spokesperson pointed out that successive governments in Balochistan have made lofty claims of educational reforms and revolution under the guise of “education emergency,” but the ground realities tell a different story. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent floods has further worsened the educational conditions. While some universities and colleges in larger cities like Quetta, Kech, and Khuzdar remain operational, a disturbing new trend has emerged, including the frequent closure of these institutions due to administrative problems.
Balochistan University, which was shut down for a prolonged period due to unpaid salaries to faculty members, along with other institutions such as BUITEMS, Turbat University, Panjgur University, and Bolan Medical College, has faced similar administrative challenges. Recently, students at Turbat University and Lasbela University of Technology in Uthal have protested against autocratic administrative practices. Moreover, a recent dispute at Bolan Medical College led to its closure for the past three months.
The closure of educational institutions, excessive restrictions, and incidents of harassment and profiling within these institutions have caused significant distress among students. The situation worsened when notifications emerged declaring the temporary closure of three major educational institutions in Balochistan. According to the announcement from Balochistan University, physical classes would be suspended, and teaching would proceed virtually, which raised concerns among students. Many students do not have access to internet services in Balochistan, making online education nearly impossible.
Similarly, BUITEMS University cited security concerns as a reason for its closure, while Turbat University shut down following protests against the restriction of students’ rights. The sudden closures of these institutions have created widespread uncertainty and are likely to disrupt the academic progress of thousands of students.
The Baloch Students Action Committee has urged the educated population of Balochistan to speak out against these administrative decisions. The organization has called on political parties and activists to take serious action on this issue and demand accountability from the current government for such actions. The BSAC strongly condemns the abrupt closure of educational institutions and demands that teaching activities be immediately resumed to avoid further disruption of students’ academic journeys.
