Qaseem Shah:
Kech, Balochistan – The second day of the Kech Cultural Festival 2025 was marked by engaging sessions on education, democracy, journalism, and cultural identity. The festival brought together leading scholars, politicians, and journalists, who discussed the future of Balochistan and the importance of empowering people through education, democratic rights, and press freedom.
Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy Stresses Mother Tongue Education and Critical Thinking
Renowned scholar Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy said that children should begin their early education in their mother tongue to build a strong foundation in language and learning. He emphasized that while local languages are essential, English is equally important to access modern sciences and global knowledge.
He highlighted that science and religion are two different domains that cannot be compared. “Religion teaches morality and way of life, while science is based on logic, observation, and experimentation,” he explained. Dr. Hoodbhoy further said that the real purpose of education is not rote memorization but developing the ability to analyze, question, and think critically.
Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch: Democracy is the Solution for Balochistan
Former Chief Minister Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch addressed the audience, saying that the problems of Balochistan can only be solved through democratic means. He added that the recognition of all languages and cultures is essential for building a stronger federation.
He pointed out that the province suffers from low literacy rates, poverty, and social inequality, and urged the state to prioritize education reforms. “The most urgent need of the time is to grant the people their true democratic rights,” he stressed.
Shehzada Zulfiqar Highlights Challenges of Journalism in Balochistan
Veteran journalist Shehzada Zulfiqar shared his views on the media situation in Balochistan. He noted that journalists in the province face severe pressures, and mainstream media often fails to represent the region’s real issues. However, he emphasized that social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools, enabling the voices of ordinary citizens to be heard at national and international levels.
Kech Cultural Festival: A Platform for Dialogue and Cultural Exchange
The Kech Cultural Festival 2025 has become an important platform for academic debate, cultural preservation, and social dialogue in Balochistan. The discussions on education, democracy, and media freedom reflect the urgent need to address the province’s challenges while celebrating its rich cultural identity.
The festival continues to attract intellectuals, political leaders, journalists, and writers, making it one of the most influential cultural events in the region.
