Balochistan’s Education Crisis Deepens: Allegations of Neglect, Privatization, and Institutional Collapse Surface

Quetta:The deteriorating state of education in Balochistan continues to raise serious concerns, as reports indicate a systematic attempt to weaken higher education institutions across the province. Citing a range of issues — from delayed salaries of faculty and staff, to deliberate defunding, and the controversial push toward privatization — students’ organizations and civil society have sounded the alarm over what they describe as a calculated policy to undermine public universities.

Educational institutions in Balochistan, including major universities and colleges, are reportedly facing severe financial crises. Critics say this is not a coincidence but a result of deliberate policies aimed at paralyzing public education. While teaching campuses remain under-resourced and staff unpaid, millions are allegedly being spent under the pretext of “security measures” within university premises.

The situation in **University of Balochistan** and **BUITEMS** has been particularly concerning, where delays in salary payments have become routine. Other institutions such as **Dera Murad Jamali** and **Dodh campuses** are reportedly in disrepair, while **Bolan Medical College** has faced extended closures and controversial securitization. Similarly, **nursing colleges remain closed**, and **merit-based hiring** has not been implemented, affecting thousands of students.

Despite repeated calls from education-focused organizations and media campaigns to resolve these issues, the current government is accused of prioritizing securitization, harassment, and surveillance of students, forced disappearances, and budget cuts — rather than focusing on educational reform.

The **Jhalawan Medical College** has not been allocated funds in the current budget, sparking outrage. Meanwhile, **Baleli Agriculture University**, which was granted university status in the previous administration, has remained inactive for years. Its fully constructed campus has never been used for regular academic sessions. Instead, the current administration is allegedly attempting to hand over the university’s building to **NAVTTC (National Vocational & Technical Training Commission)** — a move seen as an attempt to cover up past mismanagement and corruption.

Organizations advocating for education have strongly opposed this move, demanding the immediate operationalization of Baleli Agriculture University. They argue that rather than handing the infrastructure to a vocational body, there should be a full investigation into why the campus remained inactive for so long and who was responsible.

Educational groups have announced their intention to take practical steps, in collaboration with students and faculty, to resist what they call “anti-education policies.” They demand that the government focus on funding, reform, and transparency rather than treating education as a commercial or security commodity.

As the educational crisis deepens in Balochistan, voices are growing louder for accountability, active policy change, and urgent steps to protect the future of thousands of students in the province.