SC hints at possible nationalization of private schools

The Supreme Court (SC) hinted on Monday of asking the government to nationalize schools, during hearing a case pertaining to schools not reducing the fees by 20 percent as ordered by the court.

A three-member bench comprising Judge Gulzar Ahmed, Judge Faisal Arbab and Judge Ijazul Ahsan heard the case of contempt of court by two private schools today. The bench expressed its displeasure at the language used by the administration after the courts orders in reducing school fees. The court asked how dare the schools term the top court's decision 'a draconian verdict', local media reported.

The bench remarked that education had been turned into a business. The bench warned, "We may ask the government to take control of private schools". The counsels replied that their schools had implemented the court's orders and reduced the fees.

The counsel of the schools apologized to the court to which the bench directed them to submit their written apologies. The hearing has been adjourned for two weeks.