Private Schools in Islamabad Under Review as Senate Discusses 10% Free Education Rule

The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education and Professional Training, led by Chairperson Senator Bushra Anjum Butt, conducted a detailed review of the enforcement of the compulsory 10% free education quota in private schools operating within Islamabad. Lawmakers expressed concern over whether educational institutions are genuinely fulfilling their legal responsibility to provide free schooling opportunities to underprivileged students. During the session, Senator Jan Muhammad emphasized that private schools are mandated under existing regulations to allocate at least ten percent of their total student intake for free education and questioned the level of actual compliance across the federal capital. Officials from the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) informed the committee that 1,627 private schools are currently registered in Islamabad, with nearly 427,000 students enrolled overall. They further stated that around 25,500 students are presently benefiting from the free education quota, while monitoring mechanisms, including designated compliance officers and routine inspections, are in place to ensure adherence. However, the chairperson directed strict action against institutions failing to meet the requirement, stressing penalties for violations. Senator Jan Muhammad also sought a breakdown of fines imposed on non-compliant schools. The committee additionally touched on degree recognition issues but prioritized access and equity concerns in school education.