Private schools across Punjab are reportedly continuing the sale of textbooks and uniforms despite clear restrictions issued by the Punjab School Education Department and earlier court directives.
With the start of the 2026 academic year, parents have raised fresh concerns that several private schools are still asking them to purchase complete sets of books and uniforms directly from the schools or their designated vendors. According to parents, these items are often sold at higher prices than those available in local markets, increasing the financial burden on families already facing rising living costs.
The practice persists despite a ruling by the Lahore High Court in 2019, which directed private schools to stop selling books and uniforms on their premises after numerous complaints from parents. Following the court order, the education department also issued notifications to schools across the province, instructing them not to sell educational materials or uniforms directly to students.
Authorities had clarified that schools may recommend textbooks and uniform designs, but they cannot compel parents to purchase them from specific shops or school-run counters.
However, parents from major cities including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Rawalpindi say the policy continues to be ignored. In many cases, schools allegedly provide book packages that are only available through official school counters or specific vendors, with parents being told that buying the official package is necessary to obtain the correct course material.
Parents have also raised similar concerns regarding school uniforms, which are reportedly sold through limited suppliers linked to schools. In some instances, book sets available in markets for around Rs. 5,000 are being sold for nearly Rs. 20,000 through school-associated vendors.
