Education Has Never Been a Priority for Balochistan’s Rulers, Says Dr Abdul Malik Baloch
QUETTA: National Party President Dr Abdul Malik Baloch has said that education has never been a priority for successive governments in Balochistan, arguing that the province’s resources are being spent on misplaced priorities instead of public welfare and human development.
Dr Baloch made the remarks during visits to Government General Muhammad Musa Postgraduate College and Government Girls College Hassan Musa on Alamdar Road in Mariabad, Quetta. He was accompanied by Balochistan Assembly member Kulsoom Niaz Baloch and a delegation of National Party leaders.
The delegation included National Party Central Spokesperson Ali Ahmed Langove, Central Committee member Dr Ramzan Hazara, Dr Noor Baloch, Mashkoor Anwar, and other party officials and workers.
During the visit, the principals of both colleges briefed the delegation on administrative affairs, academic standards, the lack of basic facilities, and the challenges facing higher education in the province. The delegation also toured various sections of the institutions and interacted with faculty members and students.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch said education is the foundation of a nation’s progress, awareness, and prosperity, but regretted that Pakistan’s ruling class had never treated it as a national priority.
He said meaningful social change would remain impossible unless education, healthcare, and human development were placed at the center of state policy.
The National Party chief also criticized the political situation in Balochistan, claiming that the province’s people have been deprived of effective political representation. He alleged that disrespect for the public mandate and interference in the electoral process had weakened democratic institutions and produced negative consequences for the province.
Highlighting his party’s previous tenure in government, Dr Baloch said merit had been given top priority and several reforms were introduced in the education sector, including the establishment of new medical colleges and universities.
He further stated that Balochistan’s resources should be utilized for the welfare of its people rather than being diverted to what he described as misguided priorities, adding that many residents of the province still lack access to basic necessities.
Calling for comprehensive reforms, he stressed the need for democratic supremacy, equitable distribution of resources, and greater investment in education.
Dr Baloch said the National Party believes in bringing positive and sustainable change rather than merely seeking political power, and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to protecting public rights, strengthening democracy, promoting quality education, and advancing social justice.
He also urged all stakeholders to contribute to building strong institutions and emphasized that academic staff should make quality education their foremost priority. He concluded by encouraging the people of Balochistan to continue striving for a brighter future for the province.
At the end of the visit, representatives of the educational institutions presented their college magazines to the National Party delegation.
