Educational and Moral Rights of Children in the Pashtun Society of Balochistan: An Analytical Study in the Light of Islamic Teachings

بلوچستان کے پشتون معاشرے میں بچوں کے حقوقِ تعلیم و تربیت: اسلامی تعلیمات کی روشنی میں تجزیاتی مطالعہ

Abstract

The present study explores the educational and moral rights of children within the Pashtun society of Balochistan, analyzing the intersection of traditional cultural norms and Islamic teachings. Despite Islam’s emphatic encouragement of knowledge and ethical upbringing, many children in Balochistan remain deprived of their basic rights to education and moral training due to socio-economic constraints, tribal traditions, gender biases, and an underdeveloped educational infrastructure. The research underscores the Quranic command to seek knowledge and the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) consistent emphasis on the moral and intellectual development of children, regardless of gender. Through qualitative analysis, including a review of relevant Qur'anic verses, ḥadīths, and scholarly interpretations, the study examines how Islamic injunctions prioritize education and parental responsibility. However, in many tribal areas of Balochistan, cultural traditions override these religious teachings, especially concerning girls’ education, which is often discouraged or neglected. The study identifies major challenges such as lack of school infrastructure, poverty, security issues, and insufficient governmental oversight. The research also considers how cultural structures can both hinder and potentially support educational reform when aligned with Islamic values. This analytical study provides policy recommendations for promoting children's rights in Balochistan through culturally sensitive yet religiously grounded educational initiatives. These include community awareness programs, Islamic education campaigns promoting gender equality in learning, and improved public-private collaboration to develop schools and training centers in remote areas. The ultimate goal is to foster a society where every child, in accordance with Islamic principles, receives the education and moral foundation necessary to thrive as a responsible and dignified individual.