PSO Launches School Enrollment Campaign, Slams Government Claims on Free Education and Teacher Attendance

Quetta / Zhob: Pashtunkhwa Students Organization (PSO) organized awareness rallies in Quetta and Zhob under the slogan “Every child in school, every teacher in class, and every village needs a school” as part of a school enrollment campaign.

The rally in Quetta was chaired by Zonal Secretary Waris Afghan, while the event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. The program was moderated by provincial information secretary Wahdat Afghan and liaison secretary Haleem Luyal. Several student leaders, including Zohiab Kabzi, Zarmina Khpalwak, Shafiq Dilshan, Shahzaib Mriani, Mein Bari, Hela Afghan, Bibi Zahra Kasi, and Bibi Shabnam Torkai, addressed the gathering.

In Zhob, a separate rally was held under the chairmanship of District Secretary Ameer-ul-Bashar. Speakers included provincial deputy secretary Aimal Zarwan, senior district assistant secretary Irfanullah, regional secretary of Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party Dr. Nematullah, Shafiullah, and Maulvi Amin-ul-Haq.

Speakers urged parents to enroll their children in schools, stressing that under Article 25-A of the Constitution of Pakistan, free education up to matriculation is a fundamental right of every child. They said the education sector in the province is facing serious challenges that require urgent and effective reforms.

PSO criticized the government’s claims regarding free education and teacher attendance, calling them “hollow,” and alleged lack of transparency in cluster budgeting and the substitute teacher system. The organization demanded an end to the ad-hoc teacher system, timely provision of free textbooks, and ensuring teacher attendance in schools.

The student body also called for a balanced teacher-student ratio across all regions, improved focus on learning outcomes rather than infrastructure alone, and immediate introduction of a comprehensive education policy. It further demanded decentralization of educational authority to the district level, elimination of unnecessary fees in educational institutions, and inclusion of Pashto as a compulsory subject.

Additionally, PSO urged an end to the “militarization” of educational institutions and called for a peaceful academic environment. The organization appealed to parents, teachers, students, and the public to support the campaign for improving the education system and securing a better future for children.