There is no denying the fact that education is an ideal parameter to analyze the degree of success in a society, nation, and country. It determines the progress ladder for a reliable and sustainable tomorrow, and to a large extent, it tailors the tread of stability, unity, and prosperity.
Therefore, states in this era of widespread challenges can hardly afford to overlook its importance. Further, the universal declaration of human rights (UNDR) binds the states to equip their subjects to the right to education. Article 26 of UNSR reads: Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary stages.
Sadly, a number of polities desperately fail to inoculate education opportunities; however, Pakistan stands top in this regard.
Read more: Understanding the loopholes in Pakistan’s education system
Albeit the whole of Pakistan faces a disgruntled education system, however, Balochistan-the largest and richest province- portrays an even bleaker picture. Despite having natural resources in abundance, education remains a far cry for its people.
The literacy rate hangs at a highly unsatisfactory rate. And, shockingly, a large chunk of the population is desperately away from schools. It seems the province has been left in the lurch (in terms of progress) for ages. Growing up in such a scenario isn’t easy at all.
Read more: Why is the female literacy rate in Balochistan the lowest in the world?
The quest for education remains
More recently, I had a brief chat with Shahzad Baluch- who studies in class 8, and he walks nearly four kilometers to attend his classes daily. It was a sharp 1 o’clock when I stopped my car and saw Shahzad going towards with jolted, weak, and exhausted paces. I stopped near him and asked him to get into the car.
Believe me, when he entered the car, he took a long sigh of relief by thanking me for the ride. His face was wet with sweat, and he was terribly exhausted due to the scorching heatwaves. Later on, when I thought he was comfortable I asked him: isn’t it difficult going to school beneath the burning sun that too by crossing a large distance?
Read more: Op-ed: Picturing a depressed Balochistan
He answered my question in a patient mode. “It is a difficult job, but we don’t have school near us. So, we have no other option but to bear the situations.”
The love, passion, and quest for education could easily be seen behind his face. Learning under such a tough scenario leaves a dramatic impact on the psyche of a child. Similarly, the chances of learning are very few.
Balochistan deserves better
Almost the same case remains in every nook and corner of the province of Balochistan as the provisional government is exploiting the right to education, thus expunging the constitutional right of the people of the province.
At least, the state must realize the fact that it is liable to provide the sources of education to its subjects. In this era of widespread opportunities, children of Balochistan have to travel arduous distances just to attend classes.
Read more: The unfairness of ‘over-qualified’ PhDs in Balochistan
Furthermore, a vast number of parents don’t send their children owing to such situations. Pakistan’s progress lies in the prosperity of Balochistan.
Lastly, it is time the Governments, both provincial and federal, must understand their constitutional responsibilities by equipping the province with easy access to education which they deserve better.
Read more: The ugly truth about Pakistan’s education system
The writer is a language teacher at Delta Academy Quetta. He is based in Awaran. Can be contacted: nizambaloch149@gmail.com.The views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Global Village Space.