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In a major step to make education more accessible, the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has directed all Islamabad model schools and colleges to establish book banks from the academic year 2026–27. The initiative ensures that free textbooks provided by the government will be distributed on time and used more efficiently across both boys’ and girls’ institutions in urban and rural areas.
This move comes as part of the government’s broader education reforms to reduce the financial burden on parents while also addressing the recurring issue of textbook shortages. Under the new policy, students will be required to return their textbooks in good condition at the end of the academic year, before final exam results are announced. These collected books will then be redistributed to the next batch of students free of cost.
School administrations have been instructed to design proper SOPs for collecting, stacking, and categorizing the books by subject. Area Education Officers will supervise the process to ensure smooth implementation, while proper records will be maintained to ensure transparency.
Officials highlighted that book banks will not only save costs but also promote environmental sustainability by reducing paper printing, encouraging students to value and preserve their books. The system is also expected to build a culture of sharing knowledge and responsibility among students.
The notification was issued with the approval of the Director (Academics & Quality Assurance) and signed by Assistant Director (Academics) Abid Ali Khan. The FDE believes that this reform will significantly strengthen resource management, improve accountability, and create long-term benefits for both students and the education system in Islamabad.
