Governor Balochistan Praises UoB Reforms, Announces Institute of Linguistics

Quetta:Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has lauded the University of Balochistan (UoB) for introducing forward-looking academic reforms, including the closure of unnecessary departments and the launch of new programs aligned with market needs and employment opportunities.

Speaking on Saturday, the Governor said that merging overlapping disciplines — such as Geophysics with Geology, Seismology with Physics, Renewable Energy with Environmental Sciences, Anthropology with Sociology, and Commerce with the Institute of Management Sciences — was a “wise and pragmatic decision.” At the same time, the launch of a new Department of Artificial Intelligence for the first time in UoB’s history was termed “a revolutionary step” that caters to modern requirements and the future of youth.

Mandokhail praised Vice Chancellor Dr. Zahoor Bazai and his team for their vision, expressing confidence that these measures would ensure better use of resources and strengthen the foundations of higher education in the province.

He pointed out a critical issue in universities: “In some departments, the number of teachers exceeds the number of students, which results in a waste of resources.” He stressed that today’s students increasingly choose courses based on future value and job prospects, making the reforms even more timely.

The Governor further announced the establishment of an **Institute of Linguistics**, which will integrate language departments including Urdu, Balochi, Pashto, Brahui, and Persian. This, he said, will not only preserve mother tongues but also foster stronger connections between them.

“Mother languages are our cultural identity,” Mandokhail remarked. “They are passed down like an inheritance, generation to generation. The government is committed to their promotion and preservation.”

He also underscored the need for translating scientific and academic material from developed languages into local mother tongues to keep pace with the global village. “Our policymakers and intellectuals must take responsibility to ensure harmony with global civilization while strengthening our own cultural roots,” he added.