Editorial:
The recent fire that devastated the historic Government Science College in Balochistan is a tragedy of immense proportions, not only for the faculty and students but for the entire province. This institution, a cornerstone of education in Balochistan for generations, has now been reduced to ashes, and with it, the hopes and dreams of thousands of students who relied on its resources. The loss is not just of a building but of a national asset, a sanctuary of knowledge that nurtured countless minds and served as a beacon of learning in the region.
Science College Is Not A Building But A National Asset
The Balochistan government, led by Education Minister Raheela Durrani, has taken the initial step of forming an inquiry committee headed by Secretary of Higher Education Hafiz Muhammad Tahir to investigate the cause of the fire. However, this move, while necessary, falls short of addressing the deep concerns and fears that have gripped the educational community and the broader public. The fact that the fire is being attributed to a short circuit raises more questions than it answers. Was this an isolated incident, or was it the result of systemic negligence? What measures were in place to prevent such a disaster, and why did they fail?
Independent Investigation Imperative
These are questions that demand thorough and transparent answers. The call for an independent investigation into this incident is not just a demand for accountability; it is a demand for justice. The destruction of this college has struck at the heart of education in Balochistan, and the government must recognize that this is about more than just bricks and mortar—it is about the future of our next generation.
As professors like Raziq Ulfat Kakar and Khalil Khan have poignantly expressed, the college was more than just a building; it was a home for educators and students alike. Their voices, filled with grief and a deep sense of loss, echo the sentiments of the entire community. The anguish they feel is not just personal; it is shared by all who understand the value of education and the irreplaceable role that institutions like Government Science College play in society.
College Home For Educators And Students
The government must prioritize the immediate reconstruction and repair of the college. This is not a task that can be delayed or half-heartedly undertaken. The province’s educational future hangs in the balance, and the restoration of this institution must be swift and complete. But beyond rebuilding, there must be a commitment to transparency and accountability. The formation of an independent inquiry is crucial to uncover the true cause of the fire and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. This is the only way to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
The Government Science College was not just a local treasure; it was a national asset. Its destruction is a loss for the entire country, and the response must reflect the gravity of that loss. The government owes it to the people of Balochistan, to the students whose education has been jeopardized, and to the memory of what this institution stood for, to leave no stone unturned in its investigation.
We call upon the government to take immediate and decisive action. Rebuild the college, restore its facilities, and, most importantly, ensure that the investigation into this tragedy is independent, transparent, and thorough. The future of our children and the legacy of our educational institutions depend on it. Let this fire be a wake-up call for us all—a reminder of the importance of safeguarding our national assets and the future of our next generation.
