The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, reviewed the implementation of the mandatory free education quota in private schools and sought detailed information on compliance by educational institutions in the federal capital.
During the meeting, committee members discussed the status of private educational institutions operating in Islamabad and questioned authorities about the enforcement of regulations requiring private schools to provide free education to a percentage of students.
Senator Jan Muhammad highlighted that private schools are legally bound to offer free education to 10 percent of their students and asked how effectively the policy was being implemented.
Briefing the committee, the Chief Executive Officer of the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) said that 1,627 private educational institutions are currently registered in Islamabad. He informed lawmakers that approximately 427,000 students are enrolled in private schools across the capital.
According to the official, around 25,500 students are currently receiving free education under the mandatory 10 percent quota. He added that compliance is monitored through a dedicated director of compliance and regular checks and balances are carried out to ensure institutions follow the rules.
Chairperson Senator Bushra Anjum Butt directed authorities to take action against schools that fail to meet the required quota, emphasizing that institutions not providing free education to eligible students should face penalties.
Senator Jan Muhammad also sought details regarding fines imposed on private schools by the relevant regulatory authorities for non-compliance with education regulations.
The committee also briefly discussed issues related to the recognition of degrees issued by certain private universities, including institutions in Karachi. However, lawmakers stressed the need to focus on the number of children enrolled in private schools and the actual number benefiting from the free education quota.
The committee is expected to continue reviewing compliance mechanisms to ensure that private educational institutions fulfill their obligations and expand access to education for underprivileged students.
