The richest province is ironically the poorest in terms of education, with significant challenges. According to a report, only 23% of primary schools in the province have access to potable water. Despite an allocation of over 90 billion rupees for education in the 2023-24 budget, more than 2 million children remain out of school in Balochistan. This is a worrying and rising plight that has persisted for decades.

It is concerning that many students in Balochistan cannot pursue their education beyond matriculation. Estimates suggest that over 750,000 students enroll in primary schools, but only 60,000 reach matriculation, indicating a shocking failure of the education system. The main reasons for this include long distances between homes and schools, lack of electricity (only 15% of schools have it), and inadequate toilets. The teacher-student ratio in primary schools is also alarming at 1:39.

Article 25-A of the Constitution, added in 2010, guarantees free and compulsory education for all five- to 16-year-olds. Yet, 14 years later, the Prime Minister has declared an emergency to fulfill this basic right. Many in Balochistan have been demanding this right, but their representatives are not working to protect and preserve it.

Political interference in educational affairs is another issue, leading to teachers getting transferred to cities, leaving rural schools closed and deserted. Ghost teachers who never attend classes but draw salaries are also a problem. Across Balochistan, 4000 schools lack buildings, and 12,000 villages have no schools. There are around 10,000 ghost teachers appointed in Balochistan’s schools.

The situation is dire, with students and youth wings of political parties agitating for a provincial Higher Education Commission. Despite the 18th Amendment in 2010, devolving the Higher Education Commission to provinces, the Government of Balochistan has not upheld it. Under these circumstances, the prosperity of the nation remains a daydream for the Baloch people.

Local teachers and students have tremendous potential but need exposure to quality education and professional experience. Education is key to sustainable socio-economic development, political awareness, and creative freedom of expression. However, this requires peaceful classroom interactions, respect for teachers, and adequate infrastructure. Balochistan urgently needs more teachers, schools, and classes. Small initiatives are not enough; comprehensive work is necessary to address the issues of access to quality education.

The education sector in Balochistan faces numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and a lack of resources. Many schools lack basic facilities such as electricity, water, and toilets, making it difficult for students to learn in a conducive environment. The teacher-student ratio is also a significant issue, with many schools having only one teacher for multiple classes.

Furthermore, political instability and terrorism have affected the education sector in Balochistan. Many schools have been destroyed or closed due to terrorist attacks, and teachers have been threatened or killed. This has created a sense of fear and insecurity among students, teachers, and parents, making it difficult to maintain a stable education system.

Despite these challenges, there are some positive developments in the education sector in Balochistan. Some non-governmental organizations and private schools are working to improve education in the province. They are providing quality education, training teachers, and building schools in rural areas. However, more needs to be done to address the scale of the problem.

The government of Balochistan and the federal government must prioritize education and take concrete steps to address the challenges facing the sector. This includes increasing investment in education infrastructure, recruiting and training more teachers, and implementing reforms to improve the quality of education. The government must also ensure that schools are safe and secure, and that teachers and students are protected from terrorism and political instability.

The international community can also play a role in supporting education in Balochistan. Donor agencies and non-governmental organizations can provide funding and technical assistance to support education projects in the province. They can also advocate for education as a priority sector in Balochistan and push for reforms to improve the quality of education.

In conclusion, the education sector in Balochistan faces numerous challenges that need to be addressed urgently. The government, stakeholders, and civil society must work together to ensure that children in Balochistan have access to quality education. This can be achieved by increasing investment in education infrastructure, recruiting and training more teachers, and implementing reforms to improve the quality of education.

The benefits of education are numerous, and it is essential for the development of individuals, communities, and societies as a whole. Education helps individuals acquire knowledge, skills, and values that enable them to participate fully in society and contribute to its development. It also helps to reduce poverty, improve health outcomes, and promote peace and stability.

In Balochistan, education has the potential to transform the lives of children and communities. It can help to reduce the poverty and inequality that have long plagued the province. It can also help to promote peace and stability by addressing the root causes of conflict and violence.

Therefore, it is essential that the government and stakeholders take concrete steps to address the challenges facing the education sector in Balochistan. This includes increasing investment in education infrastructure, recruiting and training more teachers, and implementing reforms to improve the quality of education.

By working together, we can ensure that children in Balochistan have access to quality education and a brighter future. Let us join hands to build a better future for Balochistan and its children.

The writer is a freelance columnist.