A LARGE chunk of the female population in Balochistan does not pursue higher education because of the co-education system and the male staff at universities. The Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University (SBKWU) was established keeping in view the social and tribal nature of the province so that the greater participation of women could be ensured.

However, the growing number of male staff at sub-campus Noshki, from director to administration staff and now frequent visits of the deputy commissioner, Noshki) has raised eyebrows.

I’d like to ask the officials, will they ever spare these simple tribal girls to pursue their education? Is the deputy commissioner authorised to visit classes and listen in to lectures along with female students? Or, it right for the DC to be holding meetings with female lecturers of BPS 18 when he himself serves on the same grade, too?

There are ill-motives here, and as the family member of such a female student, I feel insecure. I hope that the administration takes notice.

Name withheld on request

Noshki

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2018