Parliamentary Panel Raises Alarm Over Rising Private School Fees

Committee Expresses Concern

A Senate Standing Committee on Education, chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, raised serious concerns on Friday regarding the sharp increase in private school fees. The issue was highlighted by Senator Hidayatullah Khan, who stressed that such hikes are becoming unaffordable for ordinary citizens.

Regulatory Authority Summoned

The committee directed the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) to appear in the next meeting to explain its position on the matter. Reports indicated that several upscale schools had raised fees by up to 12 percent, despite a 2021 notification restricting annual increases to five percent based on the 2017 fee structure.

Clarification from Peira

A Peira official clarified that any increase above five percent requires prior approval. He urged parents to report irregularities, adding that violating schools are asked to revise their fee vouchers when complaints are verified.

Approval of Daanish Schools Authority Bill 2025

The committee also approved the “Daanish Schools Authority Bill 2025”, aimed at providing quality, fully-funded education for underprivileged children. Previously limited to Punjab, this initiative will now be expanded nationwide.

Fatima University Bill Discussion

Deliberations were also held on the “Fatima University of Sciences and Technology Bill 2025”, proposed by Senator Hidayatullah Khan and Senator Umer Farooq. While the ministry clarified that universities outside Islamabad fall under provincial jurisdiction, the committee approved the bill subject to regulatory compliance.

Employee Regularisation and Humanitarian Support

Briefings were provided on the upgradation and regularisation of Pakistan Madressah Education Board (PMEB) employees. The committee recommended that contractual employees be accommodated on humanitarian grounds, following the winding up of the board.

Amendments to NAVTTC Act

The committee also reviewed the “National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (Amendment) Bill 2025”, which seeks to include parliamentary members on the commission’s board. This will be finalized after confirmation from both houses.

Other Matters Addressed

The session also included:

• A briefing from the Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO).

• Directions to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to establish a help desk for degree attestation cases.

• Instructions for the HEC to submit a detailed report on the issue.

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FAQs

Why is the committee concerned about school fees?

Parents reported fee hikes of up to 12 percent, despite the legal limit of five percent.

What action will be taken against violating schools?

Peira reviews complaints and instructs schools to revise fee vouchers if rules are breached.

What is the Daanish Schools Authority Bill 2025?

It expands fully-funded education for underprivileged children across Pakistan, previously limited to Punjab.

What is the Fatima University Bill 2025?

It proposes the establishment of a specialized university, subject to compliance with regulations and jurisdiction.

What steps were discussed for PMEB employees?

The committee recommended regularisation of contractual employees on humanitarian grounds.

What did the committee direct the HEC to do?

The HEC was instructed to set up a help desk for degree attestation issues and submit a detailed report.