The International Center for Refugee and Migration Studies (ICRMS) convened its third and final provincial Task Force Meeting on December 12, 2024, at the video conference room of BUITEMS. The meeting aimed to address the persistent challenges faced by Afghan refugee students in accessing higher education opportunities in Balochistan. These challenges include the lack of necessary documentation, strict eligibility criteria, differing education standards, and financial and social barriers. With support from UNHCR, the Task Force has been instrumental in identifying and implementing strategies to streamline admission processes, facilitate degree equivalence certification, and recognize prior learning experiences of refugee students. The meeting also sought to strengthen partnerships among public sector universities, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), IBCC, CAR, and UNHCR’s implementing partners to support refugee education.
The meeting began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by an overview and presentation of the outcomes from previous meetings by Mr. Waseem ur Rehman, Office Assistant at ICRMS. Moderated by Mr. Kazim, Liaison Officer at ICRMS, the session commenced with opening remarks from Dr. Rahila Umar Sumalani, Director of ICRMS. After a round of introductions, presentations from universities across Balochistan highlighted various proposals aimed at improving Afghan refugee students’ access to higher education. Dr. Abdul Samad from the University of Loralai shared a proposal focusing on the role of university students as teachers in refugee schools within camps in Loralai. Similarly, Ms. Saqiba Anwar from Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University presented proposals including upgrading computer labs, establishing an English language center, enhancing library resources, implementing wellness programs, and improving campus medical clinics for Afghan students.
Subsequent presentations featured innovative ideas to bolster refugee education. Mr. Salar from BUITEMS proposed reserving a 2% quota for Afghan refugees in competitive programs such as Engineering and ICT, alongside dedicated support officers for admission assistance. The University of Balochistan’s proposal centered on increasing refugee enrollment by 20% over three years and enhancing student retention and graduation rates through targeted support systems. BUHMS highlighted the reservation of seats for Afghan refugees across health and medical programs in Balochistan universities, with their proposal delivered in absentia by Mr. Kazim.
The meeting concluded with an extensive discussion facilitated by key stakeholders, including Ms. Noreen Sahar from UNHCR, Mr. Hassham Durrani from the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees, and senior officials from BUITEMS and ICRMS. Participants deliberated on the feasibility and implementation of the universities’ proposals, emphasizing collaborative efforts between ICRMS, UNHCR, and local universities. The meeting ended with commitments from universities to execute rational and feasible initiatives, thereby enhancing access to quality education for Afghan refugee students in Balochistan. These concerted efforts signify a step forward in addressing the educational barriers faced by displaced communities.
Report written by
Nafisa Nasruddin
Program and Research Associate
ICRMS-BUITEMS
