University of Balochistan Closes Indefinitely Amid Rising Security Concerns

Security Unrest Forces University Closure and Shift to Online Classes

Quetta, Pakistan – March 18, 2025: The University of Balochistan, a premier educational institution in Pakistan’s largest but most volatile province, has been indefinitely closed due to growing security concerns. According to an official notification issued by the university registrar on Tuesday, all on-campus activities have been suspended, and students will now continue their studies via online classes.

The decision follows a sharp increase in violent incidents across Balochistan, raising serious concerns over the safety of students, faculty, and staff. Although the notification does not explicitly state the reasons for the closure, local sources indicate that the deteriorating security situation, marked by insurgent attacks and militant activities, has played a key role.

Escalating Violence in Balochistan: A Growing Concern

In recent weeks, Balochistan has witnessed a surge in attacks targeting security forces, infrastructure, and civilians. The most alarming incident occurred on March 11, 2025, when insurgents from the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) hijacked the Jaffar Express, a passenger train traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The attackers planted explosives on railway tracks and tunnels, halting the train in a remote mountainous region before allegedly taking several passengers hostage.

This incident underscores the increasing boldness of militant groups operating in the province and the government’s struggle to maintain security. The BLA, one of the most active separatist groups in the region, has been engaged in a long-running armed conflict against the Pakistani state, demanding greater autonomy and independence for Balochistan.

The Root of the Baloch Insurgency: A Fight for Rights and Resources

Balochistan, despite being Pakistan’s largest and most resource-rich province, remains its least developed. The Baloch people have long accused the state of economic exploitation, arguing that they receive little to no benefit from the province’s vast natural resources, including gas, coal, copper, and gold.

Over the decades, these grievances have fueled a deep resentment toward the central government, which many Baloch activists and nationalists accuse of systematically repressing their cultural and political identity. The Pakistani military's heavy-handed approach, including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and alleged torture of Baloch civilians, has only worsened the situation, leading to growing support for armed resistance movements like the BLA.

One of the most pressing concerns remains the issue of enforced disappearances. Human rights organizations have documented hundreds of cases where Baloch activists, students, journalists, and civilians have been abducted by security forces without due process. Many families remain unaware of their loved ones' fate, while those who reappear often report horrific accounts of torture and abuse.

University Shutdown: A Setback for Education and Stability

The closure of the University of Balochistan reflects the broader consequences of the ongoing unrest. The institution serves thousands of students, many of whom travel from remote areas to pursue higher education. The indefinite suspension of physical classes will disrupt academic schedules, affecting students’ progress and their future career opportunities.

Students and faculty members have voiced concerns over safety, calling on the government to take immediate steps to ensure security and allow educational activities to resume. However, with no immediate resolution in sight, the indefinite shift to online learning could prolong academic instability and widen the educational gap in the already underdeveloped region.

Government’s Response: Maintaining Security Amid Crisis

Authorities have yet to announce any concrete measures to address the growing security crisis in Balochistan. While the Pakistani military continues to conduct operations against insurgents, human rights groups stress the need for political dialogue and economic development to resolve the long-standing issues fueling the unrest.

For now, the indefinite closure of the University of Balochistan serves as a stark reminder of how the security situation in the province is impacting daily life, from education to economic progress. Until meaningful steps are taken to ensure stability, the people of Balochistan will continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict.