Daily Times

The primary purpose of education is to serve the community. Serving the community plays a vital role in education, providing individuals with the skills needed to address societal challenges and raising awareness within society. An educated society is equipped to overcome these challenges.

Furthermore, societal growth is facilitated when governments invest in education, providing opportunities for the youth, especially those from the middle class, to access quality education. Education also fosters creativity, innovation, and artistic expression, contributing to societal modernization and prosperity. The civilizational progress of society is the outcome of government initiatives in education. Government initiatives in education play a crucial role in transforming traditional society into modern ones.

The lack of educational institutions in Balochistan creates challenges for the massive youth population, hindering their access to quality education and limiting their opportunities. Having fewer educational institutions in Balochistan – particularly in remote areas – compels students to move to Islamabad, Punjab, and Karachi to pursue education, without financial resources. After completing intermediate and FSc examinations, despite the desire to pursue further education for services, students resort to negative paths. The shortage of educational institutions may lead to negative activities, influencing the mindset of people and spreading dissatisfaction among the people and the state.

Investing in education isn’t just about schooling; it’s about building a better future for Balochistan.

It is evident that many innocent souls, having lost their way, have resorted to harmful paths, feeling neglected and rejected by the state. It is also distressingly common to witness cases of drug addiction and suicide among young people at a very young age in Balochistan, primarily due to the lack of educational institutions.

These cases have experienced dangerous consequences at a young age, essentially playing a deadly game with their future. The national and provincial governments of Balochistan, to address and negotiate such problems for eradication, are often thought to condemn these in official platforms. Despite efforts to find common ground for dialogue and debate to pave the way for better future solutions, the government is accused of resorting to exploit terrorism, instead of prioritizing peaceful approaches.

Moreover, the lack of educational opportunities in Balochistan doesn’t just limit learning but also fuels social problems like unemployment and disillusionment. When young people can’t access education, they’re more likely to turn to negative paths or extremist ideas. By not fixing these issues, Balochistan remains stuck in a cycle of problems, preventing progress and leaving its people feeling left out. So, investing in education isn’t just about schooling; it’s about building a better future for Balochistan.

Expanding educational opportunities in Balochistan is not just a matter of providing schooling; it’s about empowering communities and fostering resilience against extremism. Without access to quality education, young people are more vulnerable to being misled and exploited by extremism.

Additionally, education catalyzes economic development, offering pathways out of poverty and contributing to the overall stability and prosperity of the region. Therefore, prioritizing education in Balochistan is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in the long-term security and well-being of the region.

The road ahead may be challenging, but by prioritizing education, we can pave the way for lasting positive change in Balochistan, ensuring that its people have the tools they need to thrive and contribute to a brighter tomorrow.

The writer is a freelance columnist.