Syed Ali Shah
Quetta — Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti has announced that as a result of educational reforms and merit-based policies, 3,200 inactive schools have been reactivated across the province, enabling the enrollment of 94,000 new students. He said the provincial government’s comprehensive efforts to improve education are yielding positive results.
Revolutionary Reforms in Education, Merit, and Service Delivery
Addressing a ceremony at Government Girls College, Jinnah Town Quetta, the Chief Minister said the provincial government had initiated reforms in the education department focusing on transparency and merit-based recruitment. Under this initiative, 14,000 teachers were hired on a contract basis, which led to the reopening of previously closed schools and brought thousands of children back into the education system.
He added that college attendance has increased by 60%, while 32,000 more students have been enrolled in 600 community schools. These schools are now being expanded to two classrooms to provide students with a better learning environment.
Launch of the School Transport Program — Annual Budget of 79 Million Rupees
Chief Minister Bugti announced the launch of the Balochistan School Transport Program, aimed at providing safe and convenient transportation for students. An annual budget of 79 million rupees has been approved for the program.
He directed that all school buses should be painted yellow, making them easily identifiable as educational transport, similar to international standards.
Girls’ Education a Top Priority
Mir Sarfraz Bugti said that girls’ education remains a key priority for his government. He shared that his father, Mir Ghulam Qadir Bugti, had established the first school in Bekter, where he and his sister were the first two students.
He added that Islam’s first command, “Iqra” (Read), emphasizes the importance of education, yet, unfortunately, society has long neglected women’s education.
A New Era of Merit, Transparency, and Progress
The Chief Minister reiterated that the provincial government is committed to upholding merit, transparency, and public trust. He announced that after the winter break, all remaining closed schools in Balochistan will be reopened.
He also stated that following the health sector, a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model is being introduced in the education sector as well. The Biladah project stands as a successful example, where an institution established under the PPP model is actively spreading the light of knowledge.
Restoring Youth’s Trust in the Government
Mir Sarfraz Bugti emphasized that the youth are the future of Balochistan and restoring their trust in the government is a shared responsibility. He pledged that his administration will continue to work tirelessly, uphold meritocracy, and lead Balochistan towards development and prosperity.
