Syed Muhammad Qaseem: The Government of Balochistan has announced that education will now be treated as an essential public service, placing a six-month ban on strikes and lockouts in all schools and educational institutions across the province.
In a notification issued by the School Education Department, authorities stated that any strike, shutdown or disruption staged by teachers or educational staff will be considered illegal under the Balochistan Essential Education Services Act, 2019.
Officials said the move aims to protect students’ learning and ensure that academic activities continue without interruption. The decision applies to both government-run and private institutions and is effective immediately.
According to the notification, strict legal action will be taken against anyone violating the ban, with penalties already provided under the law. The government emphasized that the step has been taken in the larger public interest to safeguard children’s education and prevent long-term academic losses.
The restriction on strikes has been enforced under Section 6 of the Act and will remain valid for six months, covering all teaching and non-teaching staff across Balochistan.
