PSO Warns of Education Crisis in Balochistan, Says 2.5 Million Children Out of School
Quetta: The Pashtunkhwa Students Organization (PSO) has raised alarm over the deteriorating education system in Balochistan, stating that nearly 2.5 million children are out of school while more than 4,000 schools remain closed across the province.
Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, PSO South Zone Secretary Waris Afghan said that despite government claims of enrollment campaigns, the education sector is on the brink of collapse. He announced that awareness rallies will be held across Quetta and other parts of Balochistan at the start of the new academic year to encourage school enrollment.
PSO leaders highlighted that the literacy rate in the province stands at just 54 percent, over 7,000 schools lack proper roofs, and around 22 percent of schools are functioning with only one teacher. They further noted that a significant percentage of boys and girls remain out of school, with enrollment rates declining compared to last year.
The organization alleged that despite the allocation of billions of rupees for education, corruption and mismanagement have prevented meaningful improvements, leaving children from underprivileged backgrounds most affected.
PSO urged the public to support its awareness campaign and called on the government to take immediate action against closed schools and absentee teachers. The group warned that if reforms are not implemented, it will launch a province-wide protest movement, holding authorities responsible for the crisis.
