ISLAMABAD: A Senate panel expressed serious concern over what it described as “uncontrolled fee hikes” by private schools in the federal capital, saying parents are facing an unbearable financial burden due to weak regulatory checks.
According to the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) rules, schools in Islamabad are only allowed to increase their fees by 5 percent annually, with a maximum of 8 percent for top-performing institutions. However, several upscale schools have reportedly violated these limits, raising fees by up to 12 percent.
The issue was discussed during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education, chaired by Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, who strongly condemned the unregulated increases by private schools.
She reminded Peira officials that schools charging excessive fees — such as Rs50,000 — must issue revised challans immediately in line with the Peira Fee Determination Policy.
Peira officials informed the committee that parents are not required to buy books or uniforms from specific vendors, and that any violations of this rule would be dealt with according to policy. The chairperson also asked for an updated list of private schools that have raised fees up to Rs50,000.
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Officials further stated that when complaints about fee hikes are received, Peira instructs the schools concerned to issue revised challans. Despite this, violations continue, as many schools ignore the 2021 Peira notification that limits annual fee increases to 5 percent based on the 2017 base fee.
The notification allows schools to apply for an increase of up to 8 percent only if they can justify it with improved facilities or quality education.
The committee also discussed internal disputes within Peira, where officials have accused each other of corruption and misuse of authority. Member Academic Imtiaz Qureshi accused former Peira Chairperson Zia Batool, who resigned on August 5, of continuing to exercise administrative powers despite her resignation.
He alleged that Ms. Batool drew salaries for August and September, along with self-approved honoraria and allowances, while also receiving a salary from her new position at the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority.
Qureshi further claimed that audit authorities had flagged irregularities worth Rs716 million for the year 2023-24. Ms. Batool, however, denied all allegations, saying she never withdrew any amount beyond her entitlement.
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The dispute escalated as Mr. Qureshi alleged that a “fabricated FIR” was filed against him to threaten his life and family. Ms. Batool denied involvement, saying she had nothing to do with the case.
Earlier, the FIA had registered an FIR against Qureshi over alleged misappropriation of Rs7 million meant for book distribution and theft of office equipment, but he later obtained relief from court.
After hearing both sides, Senator Bushra Butt said the matter required an impartial, third-party investigation and announced that a meeting with Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan would be held to address the issue.
The committee also received a briefing from the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD) regarding protests by 85 faculty and staff members against alleged illegal appointments made by the vice chancellor and other officials. These protests had gained attention on social media.
A PIFD representative told the committee that he was unaware of the protest videos but assured a detailed response in the next meeting. Senator Butt remarked, “Universities are not family businesses. The VC has become a tyrant, and operations are at a standstill.”
