Baloch Students Protest Budget Cuts for Balochi Language Schools in Pakistan
Students and members of the Baloch Students Organisation (BSO) have expressed their discontent with the Pakistani administration for making significant budget cuts to literary organizations in Balochistan. These organizations are crucial for promoting the Balochi language and literature.
Press Conference in Quetta
During a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, BSO leaders demanded the revocation of these budget cuts. They warned of major protests if their demands were not met. The leaders condemned the local administration for the cuts included in the 2024-25 financial budget.
Impact on Educational Organizations
Several educational organizations, such as the Balochistan Academy Kech, the Balochi Academy Quetta, and the Izzat Academy Panjgur, have been severely impacted. BSO’s Secretary General Samad Baloch and Information Secretary Shakoor Baloch emphasized the importance of mother tongue education for preserving cultural identity. They noted that countries like Japan, Australia, and England educate their children in their native languages.
Claims of Suppression
The BSO leaders accused the Pakistani administration of trying to suppress Balochi literature and culture. They claimed that budget cuts for Balochi and Brahvi literature schools ranged from 70 to 90 percent, with some budgets entirely eliminated. For example, the Balochi Academy’s budget was reduced from 50 million rupees to 10 million, and the Balochistan Academy in Turbat saw a cut of over 90 percent.
Call for Fairness
The BSO leaders clarified that they had no issue with the budget allocations for other literary organizations but viewed the cuts to Balochi language schools as linguistic partiality. They condemned the local government, calling it a ‘puppet’ of Pakistan, and claimed that such actions highlight the province’s colonial status.
