The central spokesperson of the Baloch Students Organization (BSO) stated in a press release that educational institutions across the country, including Balochistan, increasingly resemble state-run detention centers. The militarization of educational campuses has severely impacted academic activities, creating an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among students, who are now experiencing deep distress and mental anguish. The BSO strongly condemns such oppressive tactics and believes that the targeting of Baloch students through force reflects a policy based on colonial-era prejudice.
The spokesperson added that while the genocidal policies of the ruling authorities have disrupted everyday life in Balochistan, turning institutions of higher learning into centers of oppression is a calculated effort to suppress the conscious and creative segments of society and push them into the darkness of ignorance. Institutions like University of Balochistan, Bolan Medical College, Lasbela University (Uthal), and University of Turbat now resemble haunted places where normal educational activities are no longer possible. Students are constantly protesting against the authoritarian behavior of the administrations.
Furthermore, the spokesperson noted that due to the deteriorating and unsafe condition of educational institutions in Balochistan, many students seek higher education in Punjab. However, Baloch students face insecurity and psychological harassment there as well. They are regularly subjected to unnecessary questioning based on their identity. Just recently, a Law (LLB) student at Punjab University was discriminated against under the pretext of security concerns and racial profiling. This is not the first incident of its kind; such acts of ethnic prejudice are now routine in Punjab’s universities.
The spokesperson concluded by saying that the Baloch Students Organization not only condemns the administrative behavior based on ethnic and national discrimination, but also reaffirms its commitment to an uncompromising struggle against racist and chauvinistic policies in higher education institutions.
