QUETTA: In a significant move to ensure educational continuity, the Government of Balochistan has formally declared educational services across the province as an “essential service,” imposing a blanket ban on strikes, lockouts, and illegal actions in the sector for the next six months. The decision, enacted under the Balochistan Essential Education Services Act of 2019, aims to shield students from academic disruption.
A formal notification issued by the provincial School Education Department states that any strike action by teachers, academic staff, or legal personnel within educational institutions is now illegal. The government’s position emphasizes that the uninterrupted functioning of schools and colleges is vital for the public interest and the future of the province’s students. By invoking Section 6 of the Act, the administration has mandated a complete prohibition on such activities in all public and private educational institutions.
The notification serves as a stern warning, indicating that clear legal provisions for punishment and other disciplinary actions will be enforced against anyone violating the ban. The decision is effective immediately and applies universally across Balochistan.
This decisive step appears to be a preemptive measure to prevent potential labor unrest from impacting the academic calendar. The government has reiterated its commitment to upholding the educational rights of students, asserting that the rule of law will be ensured “at all costs.” Officials argue that consistent teaching and learning are fundamental to improving the province’s educational outcomes and literacy rates, which have historically lagged behind other regions.
The move has effectively placed the education sector in a category similar to other essential services like healthcare, electricity, and policing, where strike actions are heavily restricted or prohibited by law. The next six months will be a critical test of this policy’s enforcement and its impact on both educational stability and the concerns of teaching staff who may have grievances regarding salaries, benefits, or working conditions.
