Islamabad has witnessed a decisive move in the education sector as the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) launched a large-scale crackdown against unregistered private schools operating in the federal capital. The authority has issued a stern warning that institutions running without proper registration will face immediate sealing and strict legal action.
Officials emphasized that there will be no compromise on students’ future, safety, and well-being. The campaign is part of a broader effort to regulate private educational institutions and ensure compliance with established laws and standards.
Under newly introduced directives, private schools have been prohibited from collecting more than one month’s fee in advance. Authorities have also declared it illegal for schools to charge fees beyond the standard 12-month academic session. Any institution found violating these fee regulations will face serious consequences, including heavy fines, financial audits, and potential closure.
The regulatory authority has further reinforced its commitment to protecting parents from financial exploitation by announcing strict action against unlawful fee collection practices. Officials stated that monitoring teams have been deployed to identify and penalize violators without delay.
In a parallel move aimed at student health, PEIRA has implemented a “Lighter School Bags Policy.” According to the new guidelines, a student’s school bag must not exceed 10 percent of their body weight. Schools have been directed to immediately reduce unnecessary books and academic load to minimize health risks such as back pain and posture-related issues among children.
To strengthen accountability, a dedicated complaint cell has also been established, enabling parents to report concerns and grievances related to private educational institutions. Authorities say this initiative will ensure quicker resolution of complaints and greater transparency within the system.
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The chairman of PEIRA reiterated that exploitation of students and parents will not be tolerated under any circumstances. He underscored that a zero-tolerance policy is now in effect and warned that all violations will be dealt with firmly and without exception.
