Private Schools Federation Rejects “Closed-Door Decisions” in Quetta, Warns of Protest

Quetta:The All Pakistan Private Schools Federation (APPSF) has strongly rejected recent decisions regarding private educational institutions, allegedly taken in a closed-door meeting, terming them “unjust and unacceptable.”

Provincial President Nazar Bareech, along with cabinet members, said that private educational institutions are not “ownerless” and vowed that no group would be allowed to exploit the sector for personal interests.

In a statement, the federation claimed that similar “oppressive decisions” were made in the past behind the scenes, the consequences of which are still being faced by private schools today. It described the latest measures as a “conspiracy” against the autonomy and development of private institutions.

The federation alleged that certain vested interest groups are acting as agents to impose unjustified and impractical regulations on private schools. It further claimed that such elements are not true representatives of the sector but are working against its interests.

APPSF also criticized past policies, including changes in the registration process and making board examinations at the middle level compulsory, alleging that these steps opened doors to corruption and added to the challenges faced by private institutions.

The federation made it clear that private schools will not accept any forced, non-consultative, or “anti-education” policies. It warned that if any such decisions are imposed without consultation, a strong and organized protest movement will be launched.

The statement added that private school owners reserve the right to pursue legal action and democratic protest. The federation also urged the education secretary and senior officials to take immediate action against what it described as a “specific lobby” within the system allegedly involved in conspiracies against private institutions.

Concluding, the federation warned that officials would be held responsible for any decisions made without the consent of stakeholders, adding that further steps, including a press conference and joint action with other associations, would soon be announced.