Syed Muhammad Qaseem:
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti visited Quetta’s Science College, recently affected by a fire, to assess the damage and ensure the swift resumption of academic activities. Accompanied by Chief Justice of the Balochistan High Court, Justice Muhammad Hashim Kakar, the Chief Minister inspected the damaged classrooms and was briefed in detail by the Vice Principal about the incident.
The fire, which severely damaged the college’s main block, exacerbates the challenges faced by Balochistan’s already struggling education system. A recent provincial report revealed that 3,694 schools across the province remain inactive, underscoring the acute shortage of resources and teaching staff.
During his visit, Chief Minister Bugti expressed regret over the fire and announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the incident. “This unfortunate event will not halt progress, and we will take every step necessary to ensure classes are restored immediately,” he stated. Bugti instructed the Department of Communication and Construction to accelerate the reconstruction of the college’s main block and ordered that classes temporarily resume in an alternate building.
The Chief Minister commended the Vice Principal’s swift response to the fire, describing the efforts as exemplary. He also directed the Education Department to formally recognize and appreciate the Vice Principal’s dedication.
“We will not allow the ongoing educational crisis in Balochistan to deepen,” Bugti assured, reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining uninterrupted education despite the fire.
The visit comes at a crucial time for Balochistan’s fragile educational infrastructure, already facing immense pressure. Earlier, a provincial report disclosed the closure of an additional 542 schools, bringing the total number of non-functional institutions to a staggering 3,694. The compounded impact of these closures and incidents like the Science College fire highlights the urgent need for government intervention to restore and strengthen Balochistan’s education sector.
