Governor Balochistan Calls for Review of 18th Amendment to Address Structural Gaps in Higher Education and Governance
Governor of Balochistan, Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, has said that while the 18th Constitutional Amendment is a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s democratic history, it also carries certain deficiencies that require constructive reform for the collective benefit of the nation.
In an exclusive interview with private news channel K21, the Governor said that devolving higher education to the provinces without enhancing their institutional capacity has led to serious administrative and quality issues. He noted that provincial universities now suffer from a lack of uniformity in policies and curricula, as well as a decline in research funding and quality education.
“Due to reduced federal funding, public sector universities in Balochistan are facing financial stress to the point where even faculty members have been compelled to protest for their salaries — a situation that emerged after education was devolved to the provinces,” he remarked.
Governor Mandokhail said that research stagnation and limited financial support have badly affected innovation and the overall academic environment. He added that some officials in the province treat education funds as personal allocations, which has further undermined transparency and accountability.
Referring to the past, he said that projects managed under NHA and WAPDA were far more transparent and efficient, citing the Mirani and Sabakzai Dams as examples of successful national infrastructure.
Highlighting the issue of unemployment, Governor Mandokhail said the province faces a critical job crisis, with a majority of youth depending on government employment due to the limited scope of agriculture and industry.
He emphasized that the government is actively promoting public-private partnerships to generate employment and accelerate economic development — an essential step for Balochistan’s prosperity and stability.
The Governor pointed out the province’s vast tourism potential, mentioning its beautiful coastal belt, olive forests in Zhob, and scenic destinations like Ziarat and Harboi. “If tourism is prioritized, it can significantly strengthen the local economy and create new livelihood opportunities,” he said.
On food security, he noted that the dissolution of the Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) has negatively impacted wheat procurement and distribution, adding that the institution had previously played an important stabilizing role in the agricultural sector.
Governor Mandokhail concluded by stressing that revisiting the 18th Amendment with a balanced, reform-oriented approach is essential for achieving national cohesion, institutional efficiency, and equitable provincial development.
