Pakistan’s schools in crisis: Parents pay the price

A parliamentary committee on Friday expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of education in Islamabad, sharply criticizing both the poor condition of government schools and the unchecked profiteering by private institutions, according to Dawn.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education, chaired by MNA Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, highlighted the absence of basic facilities in many public schools, including clean drinking water, functional toilets, and proper classrooms. Lawmakers stressed that such deficiencies undermine the quality of education and the rights of students.

The committee also censured the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) for failing to control unjustified tuition fee hikes. While Peira guidelines allow schools to raise fees by only 5 percent annually or up to 8 percent for high-performing institutions, the committee noted that weak enforcement has allowed elite private schools to impose steep, arbitrary charges, placing immense financial burdens on families. Members instructed Peira to draft a transparent fee policy to ensure accountability and maintain education as a public right rather than a privilege for the wealthy few.

Concerns were also raised about rural schools under Islamabad’s jurisdiction. Officials from the Ministry of Education reported that 167 schools are currently being renovated under the “Provision of Basic Education Facilities in Educational Institutions of ICT under FDE” project. Work on 71 schools is nearly complete, 27 have been handed over, and 400 new classrooms are being constructed, with completion expected by year-end. However, schools previously visited by the committee are not part of this plan and will be included in a separate initiative.

The panel further voiced alarm over rising incidents of child abuse and drug use within schools. Although Child Protection Committees have been formed in government institutions, lawmakers criticized the lack of follow-up mechanisms and demanded detailed reports to ensure student safety.

The committee’s review underscores the urgent need for reforms to secure basic amenities, affordable education, and safe learning environments across Islamabad’s schools.