The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) on Friday directed schools in Islamabad not to raise fees by more than five per cent annually. Acting Chairman Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah clarified that schools may only increase fees up to an additional three per cent in special cases after presenting their expenditure sheets, setting an absolute maximum cap of eight per cent.
Dr. Mallah emphasized that Peira will strictly enforce this fee regulation. Schools were also instructed to provide 10 per cent free education to needy students, giving special preference to children of martyrs.
Parents were advised to register complaints with Peira if any institution violates the fee policy, assuring that prompt action would be taken.
Highlighting the issue of unregistered schools, Dr. Mallah noted that while around 1,500 schools are officially registered, a significant number still operate without authorization in Islamabad. The regulatory authority is committed to addressing this issue alongside monitoring fee compliance.
Peira also held an open court, or Khuli Kutchery, on Friday, providing a platform for parents, teachers, students, and school representatives to voice concerns, suggestions, and feedback directly to the authority. Issues raised included registration and renewal processes, fee disputes, scholarship access, admission procedures, teaching standards, and school facilities.
During the session, Dr. Mallah and his team addressed the concerns comprehensively, issuing directives to resolve grievances and ensure transparency. He assured stakeholders that Peira will extend full cooperation and support through digitisation and a strengthened regulatory enforcement mechanism under the Peira Act and Rules.
The participants expressed satisfaction with Peira’s responses and appreciated the authority’s efforts to protect students’ and parents’ rights while ensuring quality education. The authority reiterated its focus on transparency, accountability, and the enforcement of fee regulations across all private educational institutions in Islamabad.
