Efforts of Transformation Through Education
In the rugged, resilient heart of Balochistan, where stories of perseverance echo through mountain ranges and arid plains, a new chapter has just begun—one that promises transformation, hope, and opportunity. Amid decades of socio-economic challenges and systemic neglect, the Pakistan Army, in collaboration with the Government of Balochistan, has unveiled a beacon of progress: the Quetta College of Dentistry (QCD). This monumental step, marked by its inauguration by Corps Commander Quetta, Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan, is far more than just the establishment of an academic institution—it is a definitive stride toward empowering the youth of Balochistan through access to quality education and healthcare infrastructure.
The Quetta College of Dentistry is the first dental college ever established in the province, making it a landmark event in Balochistan’s medical education landscape. Constructed and made operational in less than a year—a feat that reflects both determination and efficiency—QCD is now ready to welcome its first batch of 50 students. These young men and women, selected through a rigorous process, will begin their academic journey on April 14, 2025. For them, this college represents not just an education, but a future—a chance to become skilled professionals capable of addressing the pressing oral healthcare needs of their communities.
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, and a modern curriculum delivered by expert faculty, QCD is poised to offer comprehensive dental education and clinical training at par with national standards. Beyond textbooks and lectures, students will gain hands-on experience, preparing them to meet the professional demands of modern dentistry. But more importantly, they will graduate with the tools to return and serve their own people, closing the gap in healthcare accessibility that has long plagued the region.
This milestone is a part of the Pakistan Army’s broader vision for Balochistan—a vision that sees education not as a privilege, but as a right and a path to empowerment. Over the years, the Army has quietly but consistently invested in building educational infrastructure across the province, establishing schools, cadet colleges, and technical institutes in areas where such facilities were previously unimaginable. In districts where children once walked miles just to attend a basic school, they now find themselves in classrooms equipped with science labs, libraries, and digital learning tools. The Army’s efforts have been focused not just on physical infrastructure, but on nurturing talent, providing scholarships, and supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue higher education, both within Pakistan and abroad.
What makes this contribution truly impactful is its inclusive intent. By reaching out to the farthest corners of the province and bringing education to the doorstep of communities that have historically been marginalized, the Pakistan Army is helping to weave Balochistan’s youth into the national fabric. This inclusive approach ensures that talent is recognized and nurtured regardless of background, allowing young Baloch students to envision futures as doctors, engineers, teachers, and leaders in their own right.
The establishment of the Quetta College of Dentistry is not just about improving healthcare—it is about creating sustainable, professional avenues for the youth of Balochistan. It is about shifting the narrative from dependency to self-reliance, from neglect to investment. By developing institutions that offer world-class education and skills training within the province, the Army and the provincial government are giving young people a reason to stay, to grow, and to contribute to their own communities.
This approach is also strategic. In regions where unrest often stems from feelings of isolation and underdevelopment, investment in education is a powerful antidote. It fosters a sense of inclusion, pride, and ownership. It builds bridges between communities and institutions, helping to cultivate trust in state mechanisms. Through such educational interventions, the Pakistan Army is not only addressing immediate development needs but also investing in long-term peace and prosperity.
As the first dental college in Balochistan opens its doors, it brings with it the promise of a healthier tomorrow—not just in terms of physical well-being, but in the deeper sense of societal health that comes from opportunity, dignity, and hope. The young students walking into QCD this April will carry with them the dreams of a province that has long awaited its turn. And with every examination they take, every patient they treat, and every community they serve, they will be living proof of what strategic vision, inclusive policy, and unwavering commitment can achieve.
In a world too often divided by inequities, the Quetta College of Dentistry stands as a testament to what is possible when purpose meets perseverance. It reminds us that progress is not just built with bricks and mortar, but with vision, compassion, and an unshakeable belief in the power of education to change lives.
