BMC Students Announce Protest as Harassment Allegations Spark Outrage Across Balochistan
SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: Growing unrest continues at Bolan Medical College (BMC) Quetta as students prepare for a peaceful protest on Monday, following widespread allegations of harassment, academic discrimination, and administrative negligence.
The situation has escalated further after the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) condemned a recent incident involving the harassment of female students, calling it a severe violation of Baloch cultural values and an alarming reflection of deteriorating conditions in educational institutions across Balochistan.
Students at BMC say they have long grappled with inadequate hostel facilities, an unfair examination system, and pressure tactics used by certain faculty members. According to them, discriminatory behaviour in supplementary exam decisions, threats despite high internal marks and the absence of extracurricular activities have severely affected their academic and social development. They argue that these long-standing issues have been ignored by the administration, creating a climate of fear and frustration.
The recent scandal in the Pathology Department has deepened concerns among students, who describe it as part of a pattern of injustices rather than an isolated event. Following this, students announced that they will hold a peaceful protest to present their demands, which include a safe academic and hostel environment, reforms in viva examinations and accountability for staff engaged in misconduct. Students insist the demonstration will remain nonviolent and aims to improve conditions for current and future students.
In a separate statement, the BSAC (Baloch Student Action Committee) sharply condemned the harassment incident at BMC, calling it a “shameful act” and an assault on Baloch traditions. The organisation said such incidents reflect the dangerous amount of unchecked power granted to some administrators and faculty members. They argued that these abuses flourish because educational institutions in Balochistan have long been “held hostage by various elements,” creating an environment where harassment and intimidation have become normalised.
BSAC also highlighted previous scandals, including the widely criticized CCTV harassment case at the University of Balochistan, which forced several female students to abandon their education. According to the committee, the lack of transparent investigations and strict punishment in past cases has emboldened perpetrators and contributed to the recurrence of such incidents.
The organisation warned that forming inquiry committees without ensuring accountability merely silences students temporarily, while deeper problems remain unresolved. It stated that had the University of Balochistan case been handled transparently, the incident at BMC might never have occurred.
Both students and the BSAC have called on the government to take urgent action. They demand that all individuals involved in harassment or misuse of authority be identified and brought to justice. They also urged authorities to address systemic issues in educational institutions, ensure the safety of students and restore trust by implementing meaningful reforms.
