By Imtiaz Baloch
Kharan: The only university sub-campus in the entire region of the Rakhshan division is on the verge of closure due to the negligence of authorities. Lying in the southern part of Balochistan the Rakhshan division is one of the most backward and deprived regions of the country in terms of education and economy. A huge bulk of the region’s youth is already compelled to seek higher education in the other province of the country.
On Monday, people from Kharan town and surrounding areas gathered to record their protest against the dilapidated condition of the university of Balochistan’s sub-campus and the negligence of authorities that have brought the only higher education institutions to the verge of closure.
From its first day, the University campus in Kharan has confronted many issues
Mahboob Shah an organizer talking to the Quetta Voice said that this rally was called out by the civil society and other student organizations to address the issues of the University campus in Kharan. He said that the university campus was established in 2017, and from its first day it has confronted many issues, such as a lack of classrooms, a lack of hostel for students and teachers, and no new departments have been opened since then. Shah said that the main issue that needs to be solved on a priority basis is the issuance of the notification of Rakhshan University, on which the provincial Assembly passed a resolution however, its passage into action is still awaiting.
Shah told that civil society started this movement named Save university sub-campus Kharan a month ago and from the day first it has come forward with these demands and the civil society is determined to continue its movement and struggle until all issues are resolved.
Balochistan assembly also passed two different legislative bills regarding the establishment of medical colleges in Kharan and Naseerabad on 19 November 2019, represented by the constitutional representative Sanaullah Baloch. On 3 March 2019, the Balochistan assembly also passed a resolution establishing Rakhshan University in the Kharan district.
Former district chairman Nooruddin Nosharwani addressing the protesters announced that he is willing to bear the expense of a few students in a personal capacity to meet the criteria of requisite enrollment which is mandatory for the functioning of the institution. Moreover, he also offered accommodation to the teachers who are willing to serve in Kharan city.
People of the Kharan division demand education
People also stormed social media to ensure their demands reached a wider audience. Shahjahan Baloch sharing his views on Twitter said that “people believe Balochistan is under the clutches of anti-progress chieftains who are the biggest hurdle in the way of education and progress. Whereas the fact is contrary to perceptions people are taking roads and asking for education, they demand institutions’ protection of existing ones.
While another user Habeeb Kareem said, “do not snatch the right of education from us, do not close our institution. He asked us trivial thousands of kilometers to seek education in the institution of Punjab. Firstly, we are deprived of the basic right to education. Then we are taunted for utilizing scholarships. We don’t ask for charity, but our right”
Prominent journalist and host Saleem Safi praising the protest said that this is how civilized people record their protest.
