Launching the “ Balochistan Library Campaign” for the functionalisation of libraries and the provision of facilities in Balochistan
Baloch Students Action Committee
Every conscious individual is aware of the plight of education in Balochistan, which has been now a part of fate for the Baloch nation for decades. Even in the contemporary modern era, Balochistan’s literacy rate is not rising above 40 percent. In various regions, a vast number of children are out of school. On one hand, this is due to the closure of schools, while on the other, it is due to the lack of basic facilities within the schools. Despite these unfortunate hurdles, hardworking students struggle to utilize other alternatives to pursue their education. Among these resources, libraries are considered vital facilities where students fulfill their educational needs. However, after schools and colleges, libraries are either closed or completely dysfunctional. Governmental neglect, along with the mismanagement and irregularities by the district administration, has brought these libraries to the brink of ruin.
In Balochistan, libraries are regarded as non-existent. In numerous areas, there are no libraries or any buildings. Public libraries have been established over the past few years, but have been closed following incidents of theft and vandalism. A clear example of this is the theft and vandalism incidents that occurred in Mastung and Kalat. We believe that these incidents are being carried out as part of a deliberate conspiracy to deprive the Baloch students of their educational facilities. This unveils the Government’s malice that, to this day, not a single culprit has been arrested. It should be noted that we have repeatedly drawn the Government’s attention to this concerning issue, but regrettably, we state, instead of rebuilding the libraries, even those already exist are being shut down. Among these, the public library of Naseerabad has been closed for the past several months, lacking proper seating arrangements, electricity, and fan facilities. The lack of these facilities in Naseerabad’s scorching heat is equivalent to closing the library. Same is the issue in the Kharan. The whole Kharan district is comprises of a single library without any basic facility. The female students are also forced to study in a vert small corner of the only room. Although, a separate building was approved for the library, but its foundation has not yet been laid to this day. Furthermore, in the Baloch areas of Karachi, specifically in Lyari, Lea Market and Malir, libraries have been either closed down or converted into community halls and boxing clubs, which is deeply concerning.
We express our severe concern over the lack of facilities in existing libraries as well as the closure of and the non-functionality of other libraries, and we consider these conditions as anti-education policies.
Through the media, we are launching a campaign entitled “Balochistan Library Campaign” to demand the establishment of new libraries in Balochistan, the renovation of the closed and nonfunctional libraries, and the provision of essential facilities. Through this campaign, we, appeal to the Government to make immediate and constructive decisions for the functionalisation of libraries and the resolution of the issues being raised.
Central spokesperson: Baloch Students Action Committee
