Islamabad, Feb 27: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a prestigious scholarship program aimed at supporting higher education for students from Balochistan, Pakistan’s least developed province. This initiative, reported by Radio Pakistan, seeks to bridge the educational gap and provide opportunities for deserving students.
Balochistan faces significant educational challenges, with the lowest literacy rate in Pakistan. As of 2022–2023, the literacy rate stood at just 54.5 percent. The situation is particularly concerning for women, as their literacy rate is far below the national average. In districts such as Washuk and Kharan, female literacy remains under 10 percent.
Additionally, only 34 percent of girls in the province attend school, compared to 52 percent of boys. Infrastructure deficiencies further exacerbate the problem, with over 60 percent of government schools lacking electricity and 45 percent operating without access to clean water. Moreover, classrooms are overcrowded, with a student-teacher ratio of 50:1.
In an effort to improve access to higher education, the UAE has selected 25 students from various districts of Balochistan through a competitive examination process. Among them, five are female students, marking a step forward in gender inclusivity. The initiative is expected to provide these students with world-class education and better career prospects.
Expressing their gratitude, the selected students acknowledged the significance of this opportunity. Husun Bano, a student from Turbat, shared that this scholarship is a gateway to fulfilling her childhood aspirations. Similarly, Malik Lehri from Quetta, who has been chosen to study civil engineering at Abu Dhabi University, emphasized how this program will transform his academic journey.
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This initiative aligns with broader efforts to support education in Balochistan. Earlier this month, the provincial government introduced fully funded scholarships for talented students. Additionally, in 2018, Saudi Arabia announced 50 scholarships for Balochistan students to pursue higher education in Saudi universities.
By investing in education, these scholarship programs aim to uplift underprivileged students, reduce the literacy gap, and pave the way for a more skilled and empowered generation in Balochistan. The UAE’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in the education sector is a step toward fostering long-term development and progress in the region.
