Private schools have protested against a sharp increase in affiliation, inspection, renewal, security and other fees charged by the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE).
The schools warned that the several-fold increase in fees could place low- and medium-fee educational institutions under severe financial pressure.
A delegation of the Joint Action Committee of All Private Schools Associations met Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and presented a charter of demands regarding the fee increase.
During the meeting, representatives raised concerns over the higher FBISE charges and said private educational institutions were serving as partners of the government in providing education to millions of children.
The delegation emphasized that private schools contribute significantly to the country’s education system and provide quality education to a large number of students.
The delegation included former FBISE Board of Governors member Nasir Mahmood, Board of Governors member Hafiz Mohammad Basharat, APSMA North Punjab President Abrar Ahmed Khan, Chaudhry Mohammad Obaidullah, Private Schools Network President Maqbool Hussain Dar, All Pakistan Private Schools Association President Malik Naseem Ahmed, former Board of Governors member Sakina Taj, and Educational Society leader Raja Khalid Mahmood.
Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui assured the delegation that the government would consider the recommendations, proposals, demands and difficulties raised by private schools regarding the increased fees.
He acknowledged the role of private educational institutions in promoting education across the country and said the government would provide support in addressing the concerns raised by the sector.
The issue of increased FBISE fees is expected to remain a key concern for private schools, particularly institutions operating on lower fee structures.
