KHARAN: Members of civil society and students on Monday held a protest demanding provision of facilities at Balochistan University’s sub-campus in Kharan.

The protesters also demanded accommodation facilities for students and teachers and increasing the number of departments in the university.

The rally which started from Nawab Akbar Bugti Stadium was also joined by a large number of activists from different political parties, trade unions, lawyers and students.

The participants carried banners and placards and chanted slogans. Later, they gathered outside Kharan Press Club.

Civil society representative Mir Zahir Hussainzai, National Party’s central vice president Dr Ishaque Baloch, Balo­chistan National Party-Mengal leader Mir Jumma Kubdani, Balochistan Awa­mi Party leader Mir Nooruddin Naus­herwani, tribal elder Mir Akram Siapad and others addressed the protesters.

They criticised the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the project director concerned for not addressing basic issues of the campus. They regretted the campus has only three departments which are inadequate to meet the demands of local students.

They urged the HEC to set up Balochi, Urdu, English, Social Sciences and Education departments.

They said the campus was running with just three classrooms and lacked accommodation facilities for students and faculty members.

They also demanded the construction of Rakhshan University in Kharan to fulfil the educational needs of students in Chagai, Noshki, Washuk, Kharan and surrounding districts.

Mehboob Shah, a civil society activist, told Dawn that the campus was being run in the primary section of a government school since 2017. He said non-availability of residence for teachers compelled the lecturers to stay in the staff room during nights.

Many students from far flung areas were deprived of admissions due to the unavailability of hostels, he added.

Mr Shah feared that the HEC might shut down the campus if enrollment was not increased as per the requirements.

Many students told Dawn that the senior batch of LLB department was attending classes in the library as no other room was available to them.

Campus Coordinator Shakir Baloch told Dawn that the authorities concerned have been informed about the miseries of students and academic staff through written and verbal communications, but the progress was still awaited. He said 109 students, including 30 female students, were enrolled in LLB, BBA and Computer Science departments.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2022