THE sudden closure of major universities in Balochistan, ostensibly due to ‘security concerns’, marks another blow to a student population already living under the shadow of apathy and marginalisation. At the time of writing, the University of Balochistan, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, and University of Turbat had suspended on-campus activities indefinitely, leaving thousands of students in academic limbo. The proposed solution — online classes —would be laughable if it were not so tragically disconnected from the reality of Balochistan. In a province where reliable internet access is a luxury rather than a basic utility, how can students participate in online education? The casual assurance that students from areas with connectivity problems will receive ‘concessions’ fails to address the basic inequity.

These closures follow a disturbing pattern of state indifference towards students. For years, we have witnessed Baloch students from campuses across Pakistan being ‘disappeared’, their education and lives disrupted under the guise of national security. Now, even within their home province, their right to education faces further erosion. While the violence, including the recent attack on the Jaffar Express, across the province are deeply concerning, the government must address root causes rather than punish innocent students. Shutting down educational institutions only deepens the alienation and resentment that fuel unrest in the first place. For Balochistan’s youth, these closures represent more than just missed lectures. They symbolise the state’s continued unwillingness to invest in the province’s human capital and future. The state must recognise that genuine security cannot be achieved by sacrificing education. Rather than closing universities, it should address the legitimate grievances of Baloch students while providing adequate security measures that allow campuses to function. Most importantly, any temporary shift to online learning must be accompanied by immediate investments in digital infrastructure across the province. Balochistan’s youth deserve the same educational opportunities afforded to students across Pakistan — and the dignity of being treated as citizens whose futures matter.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2025