The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) has directed private schools not to increase annual fees beyond the prescribed limits.
Speaking after a meeting with school representatives on Friday, Acting PEIRA Chairman Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah said schools can raise fees by up to five percent annually. He said schools may seek an additional increase of up to three percent only in special cases, subject to justification through audited expenditure details.
He clarified that no school, under any circumstances, can increase fees by more than eight percent. Dr. Mallah said the authority will strictly enforce fee regulations and ensure compliance across Islamabad’s private schools.
He also said schools must provide free education to at least 10 percent of students from needy backgrounds, with priority given to children of martyrs. He urged parents to report any violations of the fee policy to PEIRA, adding that the authority will take action against schools found breaching the rules.
The acting chairman also said PEIRA plans to move against unregistered private schools operating in Islamabad. He noted that around 1,500 schools are currently registered, while many others continue to operate without registration.
The directive follows concerns raised by the National Assembly and a Senate standing committee over reports of excessive fees charged by several private schools.
