The educational situation in Balochistan is in a dire crisis, with over 2.8 million children, both boys and girls, being deprived of an education.
According to government statistics, there are approximately 5 million school-aged children in Balochistan. Of these, only 2.2 million receive education: 1.1 million in government schools, 700,000 in private schools, and more than 300,000 in semi-private institutions.
Deteriorating Educational Infrastructure
The condition of educational infrastructure in Balochistan is extremely poor. A total of 3,694 schools are non-functional, while 6,995 schools operate with just a single teacher. Over 13,000 schools lack basic facilities such as boundary walls and washrooms, and 1,843 schools do not even have a roof to shelter students.
Gender Disparities and Rural Challenges
Educational underdevelopment in Balochistan is also marked by stark gender disparities. Around 78% of girls and 63% of boys are out of school. In rural areas, only 2% of women are literate. The absence of separate washrooms for girls and societal pressures further exacerbate the challenges, often forcing girls to drop out of school, particularly after reaching puberty.
Teacher Shortages and Absenteeism
The education system also suffers from a severe shortage of teachers. Approximately 28% of government schools lack the required number of teachers. Political instability and security concerns have compelled many teachers to relocate or, in some cases, have resulted in loss of life.
Natural Disasters and School Destruction
Natural disasters have worsened the educational crisis. According to reports, the 2022 floods devastated over 5,500 schools. However, to date, only 50 of these schools have been repaired. Many children are now forced to study in tents, temporary schools, or even under the open sky without basic facilities.
Steps Towards a Solution
Public opinion suggests that addressing this educational crisis requires the construction of basic infrastructure, the development of a modern curriculum, and the recruitment of teachers based on merit. Ensuring the provision of drinking water and washroom facilities in schools is particularly critical.
Although UNICEF and the European Union are providing assistance for the restoration of girls’ education through the Balochistan Basic Education Programme, it is imperative for the government to take swift and effective action. Without such efforts, a generation deprived of education could push Balochistan further into backwardness.