Islamabad’s education regulator ICT-PEIRA has announced a major enforcement drive targeting unregistered private schools, signalling a robust private schools crackdown to protect students’ health and educational rights.
The regulator said any institution operating illegally will face immediate action, including sealing for violations. Authorities made clear there will be no compromise on students’ future or wellbeing and stressed that compliance with registration and operational rules is mandatory.
Under the new measures, private schools cannot collect advance fees for more than one month and fee collection for academic sessions extending beyond 12 months is strictly prohibited. Institutions found charging unlawful fees will face fines, audits and, where necessary, sealing of the premises to ensure accountability and transparency.
To address physical health concerns, ICT-PEIRA has introduced a Lighter School Bags Policy. School bags must not exceed 10% of a child’s body weight, a step aimed at preventing back pain and other health problems linked to heavy loads. Schools have been instructed to cut unnecessary books and reduce the overall burden on students immediately.
A dedicated complaints cell has been established to handle parents’ grievances and ensure swift redress. The regulator emphasised that exploitation of students or parents through illegal fees or unsafe practices will not be tolerated and that a zero tolerance approach will be applied to all violators.
ICT-PEIRA said these actions are part of a broader push for quality education, transparency and student protection across the capital, with strict enforcement to follow for any institution that flouts the law during the ongoing private schools crackdown.
