NA body told: Annual fee of private schools increase to capped at 5 to 10pc

ISLAMABAD: In a move aimed at curbing the excesses of the private school sector, a parliamentary panel was informed on Thursday that an online portal for private schools has been developed, and that annual fee increases will be strictly capped at 5 to 10 per cent.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, chaired by Syeda Amnah Batool, was told that unregistered schools have been identified, and that those failing to comply with the rules under the Punjab Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PIERA) will face enforcement action.

Yet the committee expressed frustration that PIERA has so far failed to present a coherent strategy – not only to regulate fee structures but also to bolster its institutional capacity to enforce its mandate effectively.

Concerns were also raised over the issuance of school leaving certificates, currently overseen by PIERA.

The panel emphasised that certificates must be properly verified with the issuing institutions, a process that has reportedly been inconsistent and prone to lapses.

The committee further highlighted the ethical development of students as a pressing issue, calling for civic education to be integrated into curricula to instil moral values, social responsibility, and character-building in both public and private schools.

It was noted that eight international education boards currently operate in the country, providing schools with options to select their preferred curriculum – a measure that has helped mitigate recurring problems such as examination paper leaks.

The committee also criticised the occupation of Directorate General of Special Education (DGSE) buildings by multiple institutions, including the Federal Medical College, Pakistan Baitul Mal, Social Welfare Training Institute, Ministry of Human Rights, Legal Aid and Justice Authority, and Tawana Pakistan Project.

To date, the panel was told that only the Social Welfare Training Institute has vacated its allotted building.

The committee directed that all premises be restored for their intended use: supporting children with disabilities.

On vocational education, the committee was briefed that the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), headed by Gulmina Bilal, has shifted from outdated, supply-driven models to a demand-driven, industry-led, outcome-focused approach.

Officials stated that the strategy prioritises employability, incorporating industry-led training, upskilling of underprivileged youth, international certifications, the Pakistan Skills Impact Bond, and fully digitised processes.

The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC), under the Ministry of Federal Education, briefed the committee on its role in coordinating educational boards nationwide and providing attestation and equivalence services for SSC, HSSC, and foreign qualifications.

Officials stated that students can access these services through three channels: in-person submission by prior appointment, courier service, or an express option for urgent cases.

However, the committee, particularly its chairperson Syeda Amnah Batool, was far from impressed by the rosy accounts presented by officials, especially those from the Ministry of Education, including IBCC, PIERA, NAVTTC, and DGSE, warning that, despite the claims, the sector still faces a long and difficult road ahead.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026