Education is often likened to the key that unlocks the door to freedom, guiding individuals toward a better path and elevating living standards. Quality education plays a pivotal role in transforming generational trends and contributing to the advancement of nations. A developing nation like Pakistan, which is in dire need of a competitive human capital base, should prioritize education as a fundamental focus area. However, the modern era poses significant challenges for the youth, particularly in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), where the pursuit of quality higher education remains an uphill struggle.
Gilgit-Baltistan, known for its breathtaking beauty, tourist attractions, and comparatively high student enrolment in schools and colleges, still faces a pressing issue when it comes to quality higher education for its youth. Currently, there are only two higher education institutions in the region: Karakoram International University (KIU) in Gilgit and the University of Baltistan (UoB) in Skardu. While a significant number of GB’s youth travel to other parts of the country for higher education, many students are unable to afford such opportunities due to financial and other socio-economic constraints. Although these universities were established to address this issue, concerns about the quality of education persist.
At times, sectarian protests disrupt academic activities, leading to cancelled classes and temporary university closures. Such disruptions create an environment of fear and insecurity
The existing institutions grapple with various challenges, including frequent student protests against administrative bodies. These protests are often triggered by unreasonable increases in semester fees, sometimes occurring twice within a single semester, which places an additional burden on parents. The lack of alternative educational institutions exacerbates the situation, leaving students with limited choices. Regrettably, Karakoram International University, in particular, faces a severe financial crisis, hindering its ability to meet its commitments. This financial strain threatens the future of thousands of students and undermines the institution’s capacity to maintain academic performance.
Moreover, faculty members, who are essential for delivering quality education, have repeatedly voiced concerns about inadequate salaries. While they rightfully deserve fair compensation for their services, administrative bodies remain indifferent to their demands. Consequently, students bear the brunt of these unresolved problems, further impacting the pursuit of quality education.
Gilgit-Baltistan is home to a diverse ethnic and religious makeup, making it vulnerable to sectarian tensions. Karakoram International University, being a hub for students from various backgrounds, is not immune to these underlying conflicts. At times, sectarian protests disrupt academic activities, leading to cancelled classes and temporary university closures. Such disruptions create an environment of fear and insecurity, particularly among female students and faculty, deterring them from fully engaging in their studies or expressing their opinions freely. This, in turn, hinders the intellectual growth that a university environment should foster. Furthermore, the involvement of students in sectarian disputes has made protests a recurring issue within the institution.
To manage security concerns, contingents of police and rangers have been deployed on the campus. While this may have its pros and cons—such as enhancing the overall safety and security of the campus, especially reassuring female students, faculty, and staff—it also creates an atmosphere of tension and fear due to the visible security presence.
Another major challenge affecting higher education in GB is poor internet connectivity. In the digital age, where online resources are crucial for academic advancement, limited access to reliable internet infrastructure places students at a significant disadvantage. This restricts their ability to access information, conduct research, and participate in online learning platforms, further limiting their educational experiences. Additionally, the university appears to be diverting its investments into areas beyond education, such as water plants and infrastructure projects, rather than focusing on academic improvements.
In summary, the pursuit of quality higher education in Gilgit-Baltistan is marred by challenges ranging from administrative issues, financial constraints, and protests to connectivity problems. The lack of alternative institutions and limited internet access further hinder educational progress.
To address these issues, it is crucial for the government and university administrations to work together to ensure fair financial support, address faculty concerns, and create a safe and inclusive environment for students. Diversifying investments is important, but the primary focus should remain on improving the quality of education. University administrations need to curtail non-essential expenditures and expand educational expenses. Additionally, efforts should be made to enhance internet infrastructure, providing students with better access to online resources. Only through collaborative and targeted actions can the true potential of Gilgit-Baltistan's youth be unlocked, paving the way for a brighter educational future.