In yet another blatant disregard for the rights and well-being of Baloch students, the Frontier Corps (FC), a paramilitary force controlled by the Pakistan Army, has established a camp within the premises of a Girls’ College in Kharan district, Pak-occupied-Balochistan. This move has triggered widespread protests from students, who took to the college grounds to voice their outrage.
The protesting students condemned the construction of the military camp inside the educational institution, calling it a gross violation of their right to education and personal safety. Chanting slogans against the occupation of their college by military forces, they expressed deep frustration over the continuous militarization of civilian spaces in POB.
“This camp has severely disrupted our academic life,” said one of the protester. “Our studies are being gravely affected, and the presence of armed personnel within a women’s educational institution violates our traditions and privacy,” she added.
According to the latest report from the Balochistan Department of Education, the number of closed schools has surged to 3,694 across 35 districts as of September 2, up from 3,152 in May. The Paki establishment is continuously attempting to limit educational opportunities for the Baloch community, not only to keep them marginalized but also to suppress the spread of pro-independence sentiments.
Recently, Pak forces encircled Turbat University and launched a search operation in the women’s hostel, targeting students in their pursuit of information on Mahil Baloch, a fidayeen fighter involved in BLA’s Operation Herof, which resulted in significant casualties for the Pakistan Army.
This is the reason for the increased militarization and the presence of Pak Army forces in girls’ schools and universities, aiming to monitor and limit the rise of nationalist sentiments. However, these actions violate international human rights norms, educational institutions should be safe havens for students, not military outposts.