Governor Balochistan Stresses Modern Education, Digital Literacy and Skills Development; Laptops Distributed to Students

QUETTA: Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has emphasized that education is not a fixed or static structure but a dynamic, progressive, and continuously evolving process that must adapt to changing societal needs and human requirements.

He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme. The event was attended by Member of the National Assembly Nawabzada Jamal Raisani, Members of the Provincial Assembly Kulsoom Niaz Baloch and Hadiya Nawaz, Vice Chancellor of the University of Balochistan Dr. Zahoor Bazai, Prime Minister’s Youth Coordinator for Balochistan Haider Khan Achakzai, representatives of the European Union and IBA Sukkur University, faculty members, and a large number of students.

The governor said that alongside traditional academic degrees, the importance of modern skills, professional training, and diploma courses has grown significantly. He noted that degrees and skills complement each other, while modern competencies strengthen academic qualifications and improve career prospects.

Referring to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mandokhail said online education played a vital role in ensuring continuity of learning during a difficult period. He appreciated the support of the European Union and IBA Sukkur University in establishing online learning systems at the University of Balochistan and the University of Turbat, adding that similar facilities should be expanded to other public-sector universities across the province.

The governor stated that the ranking and scoring performance of public-sector universities in Balochistan had improved from 40 percent to 80 percent. He credited the achievement to the collective efforts of the federal and provincial governments, the Higher Education Commission, and other supporting institutions.

Highlighting the significance of technology in education, he said digital literacy and online learning have become key pillars of modern educational systems. He stressed the need to continuously update educational policies and curricula to meet contemporary challenges and ensure the growth of disciplines such as social sciences, medicine, and technology alongside traditional fields of study.

Speaking on the occasion, MNA Nawabzada Jamal Raisani described Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a powerful force in the modern era. He urged young people to become creators and innovators rather than merely consumers of technology. He also assured students that issues faced by public-sector universities would be raised with the relevant authorities through the National Assembly.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Governor Mandokhail distributed laptops among university students and presented commemorative shields to organizers. He later inaugurated a Smart Classroom facility.