According to a recent report, out of 15,096 schools in Balochistan, 3,694 remain dysfunctional. These dysfunctional schools are not only in rural areas, but also in urban areas like Quetta. Unfortunately, the shortage of 16,000 teachers in the province is the major reason for the closure of schools. Similarly, the shabby and old infrastructure, lack of modern as well as scientific equipment, incom-petent teaching staff, inadequate funds and destruction of merit have together contributed to the closure of educational institutions across the province. It is high time the authorities concerned immediately addressed the vital issue.

F.A. Baloch

Peshawar