University of Balochistan suspends campus activities, shits to online classes

QUETTA: According to a notification issued by its registrar on Tuesday, the University of Balochistan has suspended campus activities indefinitely, shifting all classes online.

The notification did not give the reason for the decision but directed deans and directors to submit weekly performance reports, while staff should continue to attend their offices.

Vice Chancellor Zahoor Ahmed Bazai dismissed rumours about the university’s closure, saying that the shift to online classes was necessary due to the closure of national highways, which was preventing students from remote areas from attending.

He assured that concessions would be provided for students facing internet access issues, with a decision on online learning expected by Eid-ul-Fitr.

However, the Academic Staff Association opposed the move, warning that poor internet connectivity and lack of digital resources in remote areas could severely affect students, causing them to miss a semester.

The decision comes amid rising militant attacks in Balochistan, including a recent suicide bombing in Nauskhi and the deadly Jaffar Express hijacking, which prompted security forces to step up counter-terrorism operations in the region.