A major discrepancy in the private education sector has surfaced as private schools in the federal capital allegedly failed to implement a mandatory scholarship quota, depriving thousands of students of free education.
The issue came to light during proceedings at the Islamabad High Court, where Justice Raja Inaam Ameen Mihas heard a petition regarding private school fee structures.
According to a report submitted by the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira), private educational institutions (PEIs) may be withholding between Rs5 billion and Rs6 billion annually by not implementing the legally required 10% free education quota.
Data shows that 1,571 registered private schools in Islamabad currently enroll around 389,000 students.
Under the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2012, at least 38,900 students should receive free education, but most institutions have failed to comply.
Peira informed the court that it has issued notices to schools and begun collecting data, though many institutions remain non-compliant.
The authority has also formed a monitoring committee and warned of strict action under relevant laws.
However, the case took a surprising turn when the petitioner withdrew the plea, halting further judicial proceedings.
The move has raised concerns among legal experts, who argue that it may allow non-compliant institutions to avoid scrutiny.
Despite ongoing enforcement efforts and the government’s “No Child Left Behind” initiative, experts say strict implementation of the existing 10% quota could benefit even more students if properly enforced.