Even a recent example like CM Sarfaraz Bugti of Balochistan Takes Swift Action who recently came forward in response to a viral video of young girls from a remote village in Balochistan fixing a school in their area. The video which depicted and which Pakistani audiences responded took, to further emphasis the educational needs across Pakistan and focused on the lack of basic educational facilities required and the suffering education process and the constraints that girls in particular have to go through.
The video which has since gone viral on social media saw a group of girls revel in the fact that they get to attend school, which is a reality that is ironically still a luxury in many parts of the country. The earnest appeal they made brought to the fore the grim picture of backward/village illiterate lives which do not get opportunities to change because of the lack of schools for children.
The Immediate Response from the CM
Noting the severity of the situation, the commissioner of M&N, Sarfaraz Bugti directed the concerned district administration to quickly evaluate the requirements of the concerned village and devise a good and appropriate reactive strategy. He further reaffirmed his party’s stand to enhance the quota of educational opportunity throughout Baluchistan during a public address.
It means that education rights belongs to every child. We have an obligation to make sure that every child is served, equally in the rural regions of our province.
The Chief Minister also asked the Education Department to ensure that a school is set up in the village and pointed out that teachers, teaching aids and school buildings should be provided as soon as possible.
Spotlight on Balochistan’s Education Crisis
The incidence has again focused a spotlight on the educational system of Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province but also the most backward. As per the current data, the literacy level in Balochistan continues to lag far behind the country’s average, even more so for girls because of social, financial and facility-related constraints.
Education activists and education activists have hailed the CM’s speedy reaction while at the same time insisting on tireless efforts to prize out other factors that continues to beset the education sector in the region. The local education activist commented: “This is a great step, but it should be the beginning of long-term reforms.”
Community and Social Media Clapping
The postponement by the CM Sarfaraz Bugti of Balochistan Takes Swift Action has been welcomed by citizens and social media users due to his quick action. Some people appreciated his positive action saying it is ‘a sign of hope’ to the people of Balochistan. Many youths took to the social media posting, expressing joy after the administration responded to their polling call, these were some of the brave young girls.
Looking Ahead
Even the government’s reaction to the viral video is a positive indication but it points towards the enhanced woes of education sector of Balochistan. While constructing a school to educate such determined girls it is believed that this initiative marks the beginning of a whirlwind of reform in this province aimed at providing education for all girls.
This is a good lesson about the effects of social media to the minority and the performance of the leadership in addressing some of these issues. It appears that the day when school going dream of these young girls of this village may come true, the move that signaled the first step toward a better future for Balochistan.
