Balochistan’s Public Universities Double Their Rankings, Says Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail
Quetta: Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has announced a major breakthrough in the province’s higher education sector, stating that nearly all public-sector universities have doubled their rankings within a year due to strict oversight and effective reforms.
According to the governor, BUITEMS’ score has risen to 80, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University improved from 37 to 67, while the University of Balochistan (UoB) achieved a remarkable increase from 44 to 76. He said it is a matter of pride that UoB has been fully rescued from decades of crises—something achieved for the first time in 25 years.
He praised Vice Chancellor Dr. Zahoor Bazai and his team for their efforts, adding that the provincial government, the Education Department, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad, and various vice chancellors played a vital role in the sector’s overall improvement.
Governor Mandokhail also revealed that UoB has saved nearly Rs. 25 million by shifting its electricity system to solar energy. He described the closure of seven non-essential departments as a bold step toward academic reform. Two major international seminars have also been hosted at the university this year, strengthening its academic standing.
Moreover, all faculty members are now receiving their salaries on time, ensuring stability and security for the academic community. The governor further stated that all contractual and illegal appointments have been eliminated, while both male and female hostels have been completely cleared of unauthorized occupants.
For the first time in the university’s history, all self-finance accounts have been centralized, helping reduce annual operational costs by Rs. 150 million. Fuel expenses have also been cut significantly—from Rs. 3.8 million to Rs. 3.5 million. Additionally, governance at UoB has been strengthened, with Senate and Syndicate meetings now convened regularly.
Highlighting another milestone, Governor Mandokhail said the university’s computer science experts have developed the DMIS software, which digitizes all processes from student admission to final degree issuance.
As the reforms near completion, a public awareness campaign is set to be launched to reshape perceptions about UoB, highlight the institution’s achievements, and reaffirm its position as a beacon of academic excellence and a symbol of hope for the youth of Balochistan.
He added that remaining issues such as pensions, medical bills, and stationery shortages will also be resolved soon.
