Shaal (Balochistan): Pakistan, the illegal occupant of Balochistan, is depriving the local children of the education, with a pro-freedom group saying that at least 76 schools have been shut down or converted into military posts in just two Tehsils of one district of the annexed Province.
While 13 schools have been closed in Mashkhai Tehsil of Awaran district, 63 schools in Awaran Tehsil are facing the same situation, according to Baloch National Movement (BNM).
According to the Department of Social Welfare of BNM, which has prepared the report, these actions reflect Pakistan’s colonial system and approach to education in Balochistan, proving the suppression of consciousness.
In the report, it provides complete details of these 76 schools.
“It is deeply concerning to see the extent of educational deprivation faced by Baloch children in Mashkai and Awaran districts. The closure of schools and military occupation of education facilities is a violation of the basic right to education and must be denounced by international organizations,” the report says.
The report expresses deep concern over violation of the basic right to education and urged international organizations to pay attention to this issue concerning Balochistan.
“Education is a fundamental human right, and its deprivation can have long-term consequences on the socio-economic development of a region. The international community must take immediate steps to address this crisis and ensure that Baloch children have access to quality education,” it said.
“The international community should urge Pakistan to respect the right to education of Baloch children and refrain from occupying schools.
“Balochistan is a distinct territory with a unique cultural and linguistic identity, and the Pakistani state must not impose its history, language, and culture on the Baloch people,” it said.
According to the report, Pakistan’s colonial policies towards Balochistan are responsible for the poor state of education in .
“Within Balochistan, there exists a relationship of occupier and subjugation between the Pakistani state and the Baloch people. The state violates human rights through military aggression while striving to deprive the populace of education. Many schools in the region either lack proper facilities or remain locked, greatly affecting educational opportunities for children.”
Interested parties can access the report on BNM’s websites in Urdu and English as downloadable PDF files, which provide details of the 76 closed schools in Tehsil Mashkai and Tehsil Awaran of Awaran district.
