Authorities in Pakistan’s Balochistan province have ordered the closure of three universities due to escalating security concerns, an official told AFP on Tuesday. The decision follows a surge in militant attacks in the region, raising alarm over safety in educational institutions.
Two universities in Quetta were shut down indefinitely last week, while a third was instructed on Tuesday to transition to virtual learning. A provincial administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the decision was made after assessing the security situation. “It was decided to switch to virtual learning until further notice due to security concerns,” the official said.
The closures affect thousands of students, and authorities will review the situation after the Eid festival, which is two weeks away, to determine when campuses can reopen.
Security measures have been significantly tightened across Quetta, with an increased deployment of security personnel and additional checkpoints established throughout the city. The move comes in response to a recent wave of violence perpetrated by separatist militants.
Last week, ethnic Baloch separatists attacked a train carrying 450 passengers, resulting in a two-day siege that left dozens dead. On Sunday, at least five paramilitary personnel were killed in a vehicle-borne suicide attack.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), one of several separatist groups operating in the region, claimed responsibility for the attacks. The group accuses the Pakistani government of exploiting Balochistan’s natural resources while neglecting the local population. The province, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, has long been a hotspot for separatist insurgencies.
As authorities grapple with the security crisis, the closure of universities highlights the broader impact of instability on education and daily life in the region. Students and faculty now face uncertainty, with virtual learning being a temporary solution as officials assess the evolving threat landscape.
The provincial government has assured that it is closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary steps to restore normalcy. However, with separatist violence on the rise, the future remains uncertain for educational institutions and the broader community in Balochistan.
