The Ministry of Federal Education (MoFEPT) has announced plans to establish the Islamabad Education Authority (IEA), aiming to merge various educational departments and enhance the quality of education in Pakistan’s federal capital. This move represents a significant overhaul of educational governance, as the ministry seeks to create a centralized authority that will drive reforms across public and private institutions.

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A draft proposal for the IEA has already been developed, and after initial consultations, it will be brought to parliament for legislative approval. Syed Junaid Akhlaq, the Joint Secretary for Education, confirmed that the authority is currently under consideration.

The establishment of the IEA would bring several departments under a unified structure, including the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA), Basic Education Community Schools (BECS), and the National Commission for Human Development (NCHD). By consolidating these bodies, the ministry aims to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency within Islamabad’s education system.

The draft outlines an ambitious agenda for the IEA, emphasizing the need for a robust framework to elevate educational standards across public and private sectors. Key areas of focus include promoting equity, inclusivity, innovation, and public-private partnerships, as well as fostering a culture of excellence. In addition, the authority will oversee youth services, manage student financing, and handle staff recruitment for schools and seminaries.

To ensure students’ needs are met throughout their educational journey, the IEA will manage services like admissions, school transfers, transport, and special education support. A government-appointed chairperson will lead the authority, supported by officials and education experts from prestigious institutions such as Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), and the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

The draft also calls for establishing uniform curriculum standards and enhancing teacher training and assessment. A comprehensive human resources framework will be developed to recruit, train, and evaluate staff across educational institutions. Additionally, education managers and teachers will need to complete mandatory training, facilitated through partnerships with institutions like the Federal College of Education, as a prerequisite for promotions.

Resource efficiency and evidence-based planning are central to the IEA’s mission. A dedicated ‘Islamabad Education Authority Fund’ will be established, drawing from government allocations, donor contributions, and internally generated revenue.

With a focus on policy-making, strategic interventions, and collaboration with private stakeholders, the IEA represents a potential milestone in transforming Islamabad’s education landscape into a model of governance and quality in Pakistan.

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