Did you know that the education crisis in Balochistan has reached an unbearable level? Over 3,694 schools in the province remain inactive, with another 542 shuttered recently. These aren’t just numbers—they represent the shattered dreams of thousands of children who have been deprived of an education they desperately deserve.
Take Pishin, where 204 schools have closed, leaving children in the lurch. Or Dera Bugti, where 13 schools stand inactive. Imagine being a parent in these regions, watching your child’s future slip away without the most basic right to education. This isn’t a distant problem—it’s a crisis begging for our attention.
The government continues to make lofty promises about fixing the education system, but corruption, negligence, and mismanagement speak louder than their claims. We reached out to the education minister of Balochistan for answers, but our calls were met with silence.
Read also: Balochistan CM launches pink scooters and electric bikes initiative
Where is the allocated budget for education? Why are over 16,000 teaching vacancies still unfilled? Who will ensure that schools reopen? 6,995 schools barely operate with just a single teacher, and over 13,000 lack even basic essentials. Worse still, 1,843 schools don’t even have a roof! Does this sound like a system set up for success?
The statistics paint a grim picture. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 56% of the population in Balochistan cannot read or write, and the female literacy rate is a heartbreaking 29%. These numbers aren’t just data—they signal generational inequality and potential lost forever.
Ali Moeen Nawazish, an education expert, while talking with Balochistan Pulse, said that over 16,000 individuals in Balochistan are “ghost teachers.” These teachers are on the payroll, receiving salaries, but fail to fulfill their duties of educating students.
Balochistan needs decisive action now. The province demands more investment in education—build more schools, hire experienced teachers, and ensure all institutions have basic facilities. Rural areas, often forgotten, must become a focus if progress is to be meaningful and lasting.
Chief Secretary Balochistan, Shakeel Qadir Khan, recently announced a plan to reactivate 2,975 schools—a glimmer of hope. But will this promise finally become a reality, or will it fade into yet another hollow statement?
We must demand answers and accountability. Because behind the chilling numbers are children—children who deserve every opportunity to learn, grow, and shape their futures. The time to act is now.
