Political activities banned across educational institutions in Quetta

BALOCHISTAN: All sorts of political activities have been banned in the government and private schools in Quetta, a notification issued by the District Education Officer said.

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The circular said that the ban on political activities, including any such gatherings, in the educational institutions have come as a result of the order of Balochistan High Court (BHC).

After the BHC’s order, instructions have been issued to the heads of all government and private schools in the city to bar students from participating in any such activity.

The heads of educational institutions have also been directed to ensure that the students refrain from participating in political activities outside the school premises as well.

According to the circular, disciplinary action will be taken against those students who violate the order. Such proceedings will be carried out under the BEEDA Act, the announcement added.

BEEDA Act and BHC’s Order

The Balochistan Employees’ Efficiency and Discipline Act, 2011 (BEEDA Act) governs the employees in government and corporation service in relation to their efficiency, discipline and accountability.

Earlier on January 9, the Balochistan High Court (BHC) had issued the directive in response to a petition filed by a resident of Quetta Advocate Shabbir Ahmed.

According to a news report by Dawn, the BHC had noted in its order, “Before parting with this order, we deem it apt to observe here that this tendency has become a run-of-the-mill, where unfortunately the students are being utilised for politically motivated objects, without having any regard to their future prospects.”

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The BHC said that this tendency is becoming more and more rampant in the newer generation and therefore it was imperative to impose the ban. The court ordered the Balochistan government’s secretary education and secretary schools to ensure that no educational institution grants a permission for political gatherings inside the premises.

However, the latest circular extends the ban to ‘inside and outside the premises’ of educational institutions in Quetta.