Islamabad High Court Seeks Response on Petition Challenging Free Education Quota in Private Schools
Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) and other respondents on a petition challenging the requirement for private schools to provide free education to 10 percent of their students.
The case was heard by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, during which the petitioner’s counsel informed the court that private schools had been asked to submit details of students receiving free education before July 10.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that the government does not provide private schools with any funding or quota to support the initiative, adding that ensuring free education is the government’s responsibility.
The president of the Private Schools Association also appeared before the court, warning that enforcing the policy could force private schools to shut down.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir questioned the argument, asking how many students are typically enrolled in a single classroom. He remarked that if a classroom can accommodate 18 students, admitting two students free of charge should not be a major issue. The judge further observed that schools lacking sufficient capacity should not continue operating.
The judge also emphasized that the primary responsibility of private schools is to educate children and expressed concern over their opposition to providing free education.
Following the hearing, the Islamabad High Court issued notices to PEIRA and other parties, directing them to submit their responses. The case has been adjourned until August 3.
