Balochistan Proposes Upgrading 1,000 Schools and Five-Year Program for Out-of-School Children in Upcoming Budget

Quetta: The Government of Balochistan has decided to introduce major reforms to address educational backwardness in the province, including the upgrading of nearly 1,000 schools and a five-year program aimed at bringing out-of-school children into the education system.

The decision was discussed during a high-level meeting on preparations for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget, chaired by Mir Sarfraz Bugti, Chief Minister of Balochistan.

During the meeting, Shakeel Qadir Khan briefed participants on the key features of the proposed budget. He informed the meeting that a comprehensive five-year program has been suggested to ensure that more out-of-school children are enrolled in educational institutions across the province.

The meeting also decided to upgrade 679 primary schools and 409 middle schools in the next fiscal year. Officials said that upgrading around 1,000 schools is expected to significantly reduce the educational imbalance that has developed over the past 15 years.

Participants also discussed a proposal to provide monthly stipends to female students in order to promote girls’ education and improve their attendance in schools.

The Planning and Development Department also presented a detailed briefing on 308 departmental development projects with an estimated cost of Rs174 billion.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that reforms in the education sector are the government’s top priority and ensuring that every child has access to school is the responsibility of the state. He added that the upcoming budget will prioritize education, healthcare, and the provision of basic facilities to the public.

Bugti emphasized that investing in education is an investment in Balochistan’s future and said the government is taking practical steps to modernize educational facilities across the province so that the younger generation can benefit from better opportunities. He further stressed that improving educational institutions in remote areas of the province remains a key priority, requiring coordinated efforts from all relevant departments to bring lasting improvements in the education sector.