This case study seeks to examine the critical issue of student enrollment in government-run schools within the urban region of Zhob, located in Balochistan. Specifically, it highlights the persistent problem of overcrowded classrooms in Zhob’s government schools, which has become a significant impediment to both teaching effectiveness and student engagement. As a result, the delivery of high-quality education and the achievement of favorable learning outcomes for students are severely compromised. The purpose of this study is to mobilize government officials, public representatives, and other key stakeholders to develop and implement practical strategies aimed at addressing the issue of overcrowding and ensuring the provision of quality education in Zhob district.
Overcrowded schools refer to educational institutions where the student population exceeds the intended capacity of available resources, including teaching staff, classrooms, and learning materials. This imbalance places undue strain on both educators and students, impeding the overall quality of the educational experience. In overcrowded classrooms, individualized attention is often unattainable, and the general classroom environment can become chaotic and counterproductive. Noise, limited space, and a lack of personal engagement with teachers can create an atmosphere of frustration, reducing students’ ability to concentrate and hindering their academic performance.
Globally, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) identifies an average class size of 24.1 students as an international benchmark for optimal classroom settings. This standard, which is adhered to by most developed countries, ensures that students receive adequate attention from their teachers, creating an environment conducive to learning. By contrast, overcrowded classrooms not only limit students’ access to individual attention but also place significant pressure on teachers, making it increasingly difficult to manage student behavior, address diverse learning needs, and deliver effective instruction.
In Zhob, particularly within the Government Boys Model Higher Secondary School, a central educational institution located in Zhob city, the effects of overcrowding are striking. During an observation conducted on September 10, 2025, it was noted that three classrooms, comprising grades 8, 9, and 10, were overwhelmingly populated. Specifically, Class 8 had 92 students, Class 9 had 68 students, and Class 10 had 73 students. These numbers starkly contrast the recommended student-to-teacher ratio and are indicative of the severe overcrowding issue plaguing the school.
The underlying causes of this overcrowding phenomenon are multifaceted, with one of the primary factors being the complex and restrictive government policies surrounding the construction of new educational facilities. In Balochistan, the provincial government mandates that land for new school buildings must be voluntarily provided by local communities. However, the high cost of land in Zhob city has made it nearly impossible for community members to donate land for educational purposes, further exacerbating the overcrowding situation. This policy, combined with a lack of space for expansion in existing schools, has stymied efforts to alleviate overcrowding by adding new classrooms or upgrading existing facilities.
As a result, schools in Zhob city are increasingly forced to accommodate larger student populations within the same physical spaces, which negatively impacts both teaching and learning outcomes. The overburdened classrooms strain teachers, increase their workload, and limit their ability to provide individualized instruction. Consequently, students are deprived of the personalized attention they need to thrive academically, leading to a decline in the overall educational quality.
In light of the above findings, it is imperative that the government of Balochistan, in collaboration with local representatives, the Deputy Commissioner of Zhob, the Commissioner of Zhob Division, and all other concerned stakeholders, urgently address the issue of overcrowded classrooms in government schools. A comprehensive strategy must be devised and implemented to resolve this pressing challenge. Potential solutions may include revisiting land allocation policies, increasing investment in infrastructure, and exploring alternative approaches to school expansion that prioritize the needs of students and teachers alike.
Only through coordinated, proactive action can the government ensure that educational quality is not compromised and that students in Zhob district have access to a conducive learning environment, ultimately improving academic outcomes and fostering the development of a skilled, educated population.
