In today’s era of information warfare, perceptions often travel faster than facts. Repetition transforms narratives into accepted truths, irrespective of whether they are supported by evidence. Few places illustrate this phenomenon better than Balochistan.

For decades, Balochistan has been portrayed almost exclusively through the lens of insurgency, deprivation, instability and state neglect. While the province undoubtedly faces serious socio-economic, political and security challenges, it is equally important to ask a fundamental question: Does the narrative of “complete neglect” stand up to factual scrutiny?

As analysts, our responsibility is neither to defend nor to condemn, but to evaluate realities objectively. Public debate should be guided by measurable evidence rather than emotionally charged assumptions. The available indicators suggest a far more nuanced picture than the one commonly presented. At the time of Pakistan’s independence, Balochistan had approximately 114 schools. Today, that figure exceeds 15,500 educational institutions, supported by nearly 200 colleges and 14 universities. Over nearly eight decades, this represents the equivalent of establishing roughly one new school every 48 hours. Behind every school is an opportunity, a child receiving an education, a teacher shaping future generations, and a community taking a step towards greater social and economic mobility. Thousands of graduates from these institutions now serve in government, academia, healthcare, the armed forces, business and the private sector, contributing not only........

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