Governor urges restoration of medical seats for Balochistan,

Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has urged the Higher Education Commission to restore the previously allocated 333 medical seats for students from Balochistan and ex-Fata, expressing concern over their reduction to 121.

QUETTA: Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail has called for the immediate restoration of medical seats previously allocated to students from Balochistan and the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), expressing concern over the recent reduction in the number of reserved seats.

Speaking on Monday, Governor Mandokhail highlighted that the number of medical seats designated for students from these regions had been cut from 333 to 121. He described this reduction as a matter of serious concern, particularly given the increasing population in both Balochistan and the ex-Fata areas.

The governor urged the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to take prompt action to reinstate the original allocation of 333 medical seats for students from Balochistan and the erstwhile Fata. He emphasized that, in view of the growing population, the number of reserved seats should be increased rather than decreased.

Governor Mandokhail's remarks come amid ongoing discussions about educational opportunities and representation for students from less developed regions of Pakistan. The reduction in reserved medical seats has raised concerns among stakeholders about access to higher education and professional training for students in Balochistan and ex-Fata.

The governor's appeal underscores the importance of equitable educational opportunities and calls for policy measures that address the needs of students from these areas. He reiterated his stance that the restoration—and potential increase—of medical seats is essential to support the aspirations of young people in Balochistan and the former Fata.

The issue of reserved seats for students from these regions has been a longstanding topic in Pakistan's education sector, with advocates stressing the need for affirmative action to bridge regional disparities. Governor Mandokhail's statement adds to the ongoing debate and highlights the urgency of addressing this matter at the federal level.