Education Crisis in Balochistan: Schools Shut Due to Teacher Shortages

Dera Bugti, September 22 (Daily Kiran) : The Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) has raised alarms about the deteriorating state of education in Dera Bugti, Balochistan. On September 22, they launched their first Baloch Literacy Campaign (BLC), highlighting the alarming number of schools that have either shut down or are operating at reduced capacity due to a severe shortage of teachers and essential resources.

According to the BLC, the continuous closure of schools is contributing to a dangerous decline in literacy rates in the district. Data collected from various schools indicates that many are struggling to function effectively, facing significant operational challenges.

The BLC stated, “The situations described above reflect the serious challenges facing local communities in the education sector. The complete closure of schools, the lack of teaching staff, and the absence of educational resources are not merely administrative failures; they are barriers that directly affect children’s futures and the overall education in the district.”

The committee emphasized that education is a fundamental right, enshrined in the constitution, and every child should have the opportunity to learn, regardless of their location, nationality, or gender. The ongoing closure of schools in Dera Bugti is a pressing concern that requires immediate administrative action.

In their appeal, the BSAC urged Pakistani authorities to take prompt, practical steps to reopen schools in Dera Bugti, appoint necessary teachers, and enhance the educational environment. They stated, “The educational rights of students in Dera Bugti should not be overlooked, and the issue of school closures must be resolved as soon as possible.”

This concern follows a previous report by the BLC regarding students in the Pir Shari Darbar area of Dera Bugti, who reportedly have no access to education due to the absence of operational schools nearby. Local community members have insisted on the need to repair the local school so that children can resume their studies.

The BLC also noted that the situation extends beyond Dera Bugti, reminding authorities that similar conditions exist in many areas of Balochistan. In these regions, infrastructure that is either non-functional or barely operational has turned into dilapidated buildings instead of schools. There is an urgent need to rebuild and renovate all such schools.