Syed Ali Shah:
QUETTA – In the wake of the recent deadly blast in Gulistan, district Killa Abdullah, Balochistan mourns the tragic martyrdom of Farid Khan Tareen, a respected educationist and a proud graduate of Government College University (GCU) Lahore, one of Pakistan’s most prestigious institutions.
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In the wake of the recent deadly blast in Gulistan, district Killa Abdullah, Balochistan mourns the tragic martyrdom of Farid Khan Tareen, a respected educationist and a proud graduate of Government College University (GCU) Lahore, one of Pakistan’s most prestigious institutions.
Unlike many of his fellow graduates who often pursue higher education and careers in Europe, the United States, and other developed nations, Farid Khan chose a different path. Armed with vision and determination, he returned to his hometown of Gulistan — a remote and dust-laden town near the Afghan border — with a singular mission: to educate the children of his underprivileged community.
Most graduates from this prestigious institution—Government College University Lahore— either secure foreign scholarships to study in Europe, the United States, and other developed countries, or they go on to serve in Pakistan’s civil bureaucracy, including elite groups like the District Management Group and other high-ranking government institutions.
Despite these opportunities, Farid Khan made a different choice. He chose to return to one of the most marginalised and conflict-hit regions of Balochistan, where literacy rates are among the lowest.
Instead of chasing personal ambition, he dedicated his life to educating underprivileged children, proving that true service to the nation begins at home.
Locals in Gulistan are grieving the loss of a man they called “a beacon of hope.” Many recalled how Farid Khan could have chosen comfort and opportunity abroad, but instead preferred to serve in one of the most educationally backward and conflict-ridden regions of Balochistan.
Farid Khan was leading a private educational institution in Gulistan, where he not only provided quality education but also encouraged youth to rise above tribal divides and sectarian tensions. “He didn’t just teach subjects — he taught peace, coexistence, and hope,” said one of his former students.
Gulistan and surrounding areas in Killa Abdullah district are plagued by over two dozen ongoing tribal feuds, which have claimed more than 1,000 lives and left thousands injured over the years. These deadly disputes between rival tribes have severely impacted both the educational environment and the overall socio-economic progress of the region.
These tribal feuds have not only claimed countless lives but also displaced a large number of people, severely disrupting education, trade, and all forms of positive social activity in the region.
In such a hostile and neglected environment, Farid Khan risked his life daily—yet remained committed to his mission. While many fled or gave up, he stood firm in this dusty, conflict-prone town, teaching children from marginalised and economically deprived families who had no access to education—let alone quality education.
His school was a beacon of learning for those forgotten by the state and society. In the end, he paid the ultimate price for his unwavering commitment, but not before proving that one individual’s courage and selflessness can shine through even in the darkest corners of Balochistan.
Despite these challenges, Farid Khan worked tirelessly to keep education alive. He frequently organized awareness sessions, literacy drives, and community meetings to advocate for peace and schooling. His martyrdom is not only a loss to his family and friends but a massive blow to the educational future of an already struggling region.
Civil society, educationists, and students across Balochistan are urging the government to honor his sacrifice by ensuring security for educators and investing in schools, especially in vulnerable areas like Gulistan.
