In the midst of a recent increase in attacks, Baluchistan ordered the closure of three universities in the province due to security concerns. Two universities in the provincial capital, Quetta, were closed indefinitely last week, while a third changed to virtual learning on Tuesday, according to an official of the provincial administration, who requested anonymity.
The decision to temporarily close universities was taken after an exhaustive review of the security situation, the official explained. “It was decided to change virtual learning until new notice due to security concerns.”
The campus will remain closed until at least after Eidul Fitr, just two weeks away, when a decision to reopen will be made, added the official. In response to the growing violence, the security in Quetta has intensified, with additional security forces and the additional control points established throughout the city.
This follows a series of Baloch separatist attacks, including an assault on a train with more than 400 passengers last week, which resulted in a siege of two days and dozens of deaths. On Sunday, a suicide attack transmitted by the vehicle killed at least five paramilitary personnel.
The attacks were claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (Bla), one of several separatist groups that accuse the strangers of exploiting the natural resources of Baluchistan, particularly close to the borders with Afghanistan and Iran.
