2.9 Million Children Out of School in Balochistan; Urgent Collective Action Needed, Says Social Welfare Secretary

**Quetta (Qudrat Daily):** Secretary Social Welfare and Human Rights, Ismatullah Qureshi, has highlighted the alarming situation in Balochistan, where out of 5.1 million children, 2.9 million remain out of school. Speaking at an event organized by the Social Welfare & Human Rights Department in collaboration with UNDP and the European Union on World Human Rights Day, he stressed that laws protecting women, children, and transgender individuals exist but require joint efforts for proper implementation.

The event was attended by key officials including UNDP Balochistan head Zulfiqar Durrani, UNHCR representative Tesfaye Bekele, Director Headquarters Social Welfare Ashraf Gichki, National Commission on Human Rights member Furkhandah Aurangzeb, and others.

Ismatullah Qureshi outlined initiatives undertaken by the department, including the Balochistan Child Marriage Restraint Law, special provisions for persons with disabilities, and programs providing education, vocational training, interest-free microfinance, and monthly stipends. In 2025, over 5,000 assistive devices were distributed to children with special needs, and infrastructure modifications were made for accessibility in government buildings. Plans are also underway to provide scooters to women with disabilities and financial support for treatment of major illnesses through the Balochistan Public Endowment Fund.

Qureshi emphasized the importance of Child Protection Units, with 11 active units handling 800 cases under the provincial mechanism. The Balochistan Human Rights Policy 2021 and the Transgender Rights Policy have been approved and are in implementation.

UNDP Balochistan head Zulfiqar Durrani praised the department’s performance, while National Commission on Human Rights member Furkhandah Aurangzeb stressed that ensuring children’s access to education is a shared societal responsibility. She added that neglecting children’s education or welfare has negative consequences for society.

The event concluded with distribution of souvenirs among participants, reinforcing the commitment to bring out-of-school children back to education and address the needs of vulnerable children in the province.