The Sindh Education Department has intensified its regulatory action against private educational institutions across the province, taking strict steps against schools involved in legal violations and administrative misconduct. Under the Sindh Private Education Act 2013, the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions has cancelled the registrations of 33 private schools, while 10 more schools have been fined for failing to follow government policies and educational regulations.
The decision marks a significant move aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and lawful practices within the private education sector. Officials stated that the action was necessary because several schools were repeatedly ignoring warnings and violating mandatory education laws.
Action Taken After Detailed Inspections
According to Additional Director Professor Rafia Mallah, the Directorate carried out comprehensive inspections and reviews of multiple private schools across Karachi and Hyderabad. These inspections focused on school fee structures, registration documentation, administrative functioning, and compliance with legal requirements.
During the inspection process, several irregularities were identified. Authorities discovered that many institutions were charging excessive fees, failing to maintain records properly, and not following mandatory student support policies. After reviewing complaints and verifying evidence, the Directorate issued a formal decision to proceed with disciplinary action.
Officials clarified that the action is part of an ongoing effort to regulate private institutions and ensure that parents and students receive fair treatment under the law.
Violations of the Private Education Act 2013
The crackdown was carried out under the Private Education Act 2013, which sets strict rules for private educational institutions operating in Sindh. The key violations identified during inspections included:
Failure to Provide 10% Free-Ship Quota
The law requires private schools to allocate 10% free education seats for deserving and underprivileged students. However, several schools failed to fulfill this legal obligation. Instead of offering complete free-ship opportunities, some institutions reportedly provided selective fee concessions to only a few students, which did not meet the legal criteria.
Illegal Fee Increases
A number of schools were found guilty of illegally increasing fees without government approval. Parents had submitted complaints indicating sudden fee hikes and non-transparent fee structures. After verification, authorities confirmed that the increases were unjustified and violated official regulations.
Poor Administrative Management
Officials also found weak management practices, including incomplete registration processes, missing documentation, and failure to comply with administrative policies. Many institutions failed to maintain accurate fee records and did not update their registration status as required by law.
Schools Suspended Over Non-Compliance
Among the affected institutions, the registrations of several well-known private schools were either cancelled or suspended. In particular:
- Gallant Foundation School, Gulshan-e-Hadeed Phase II, Karachi
- Metropolitan School, Federal B Area Block 13 and Block 20
These schools were penalized for failing to fulfill the free-ship quota requirement and for selective concessions instead of properly supporting deserving students. Authorities made it clear that selective discounts cannot replace the legally mandated free-ship quota.
Professor Rafia Mallah stated that the action was taken in accordance with the final decision issued on October 19, under Application No. 1592/2025, after detailed hearings and document reviews.
Karachi and Hyderabad Schools Affected
The crackdown had a province-wide impact, particularly in major urban centers. According to officials, the registrations of 13 private schools in Karachi and 20 private schools in Hyderabad were cancelled. These cancellations were issued after schools failed to justify their practices or provide valid documentation.
Meanwhile, 10 private schools were fined for administrative irregularities and unlawful fee practices. These fines serve as a warning to other institutions operating without compliance.
This initiative demonstrates the government’s increasing focus on regulating private education to ensure fairness, affordability, and quality.
Directorate Issues Strict Warning to All Private Schools
Following this development, the Directorate of Inspection and Registration issued a clear and strict warning to all private schools in Sindh. The department emphasized that every institution must:
- Complete official registration on time
- Maintain accurate and transparent fee records
- Follow government-approved fee structures
- Implement the 10% free-ship quota
- Comply fully with the Private Education Act 2013
Authorities warned that failure to follow these responsibilities will lead to stricter penalties, including cancellation of registration, sealing of institutions, heavy fines, and possible legal action.
Officials also emphasized that this decision has been implemented immediately, and no institution will receive any special concessions or exemptions.
Ensuring Protection for Students and Parents
This action is being seen as a positive development for thousands of parents who have long complained about increasing fees, lack of transparency, and misuse of authority by certain private schools. For years, many families in Sindh have expressed concerns over rising education costs and limited government regulation.
By cancelling registrations and imposing fines, the Sindh Education Department aims to:
- Protect families from financial exploitation
- Ensure students’ rights are respected
- Maintain accountability within private education
- Promote fair and quality education practices
- Strengthen trust between parents and educational institutions
Officials highlighted that private schools play a major role in Sindh’s education system, but they must operate responsibly and within legal boundaries.
Government’s Firm Stance on Education Regulation
The move reflects the Sindh government’s strong commitment to improving education governance. Authorities have already announced that inspections will continue across the province and more institutions may face similar action if found violating laws.
Education experts believe that such accountability measures are crucial for improving standards in private schooling. They say that consistent regulation ensures fairness, protects students, and prevents misuse of authority by school administrations.
The government has also encouraged parents to report violations and submit complaints if they face issues related to fees, registration, or educational misconduct.
Conclusion – Sindh Education Department Cancels Registrations of Multiple Private Schools
The cancellation of registrations and penalties against multiple private schools in Sindh marks a major step toward enforcing discipline and legal compliance within the education sector. With 33 schools deregistered and 10 fined, the Sindh Education Department has sent a strong message that no institution is above the law.
The decision aims to ensure transparency, protect students and parents, and maintain quality education standards across private institutions. Authorities have made it clear that strict legal action will continue if schools fail to follow government policies in the future.
As the crackdown continues, the Sindh government hopes to create a more regulated, fair, and responsible private education system across the province.