Pakistan Faces Worsening Education Crisis: Government Schools Decay While Private Institutions Exploit Parents

Islamabad, Oct 18: Pakistan’s education system faces a deepening crisis, with government schools deteriorating and private institutions exploiting parents, according to a parliamentary committee. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education, chaired by MNA Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, expressed serious concern over the lack of basic facilities in public schools, including clean drinking water, functional toilets, and adequate classrooms.

The committee also criticised the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) for failing to regulate tuition fee hikes in private schools. Despite guidelines allowing only 5–8% annual increases, many elite schools continue to impose steep and arbitrary fees, placing a heavy financial burden on families. Lawmakers urged Peira to draft a comprehensive and transparent fee policy to ensure fairness and accountability, emphasizing that quality education must remain a right, not a privilege.

Officials from the Ministry of Education informed the committee that 167 schools are being renovated under the “Provision of Basic Education Facilities in Educational Institutions of ICT under FDE” project, with 71 nearing completion and 27 already handed over. Additionally, 400 new classrooms are under construction, with the project expected to conclude by year-end. However, the committee noted that several previously inspected schools are not yet included in the ongoing initiative.

The panel also raised alarm over incidents of child abuse and drug use in schools, acknowledging that while Child Protection Committees exist, follow-up mechanisms remain weak. Lawmakers demanded detailed reports to ensure that educational institutions remain safe and conducive for students.

The committee’s observations underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to rescue Pakistan’s public education sector while curbing the profiteering practices of private schools.