This research investigates the political economy drivers of spatial inequalities in education outcomes in Balochistan, with a specific focus on gender outcomes. It employs a political settlement analysis (PSA) framework to examine inter-district and intra-district variations in state capacity for education provision. The study utilizes a multi-level comparative design with a mixed-methods approach in five districts, prioritizing qualitative methods complemented by descriptive statistics and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis. A process tracing methodology will be employed to unravel the causal mechanisms linking differential education outcomes to nature of political settlement and informal institutions. The reaearch will provide critical insights into the interdependence between education service providers and the broader social context, highlighting how frontline actors, such as teachers, navigate their roles within local power structures and how citizens engage in expressing preferences and holding providers accountable.
