The Sindh High Court’s Sukkur Bench has directed all private schools in the province to offer free education to at least 10 percent of underprivileged students, warning that institutions failing to comply may face suspension of registration.
In its written verdict, a bench comprising Justice Zulfiqar Ali Sangi and Justice Riazat Ali Sahar expressed strong concern over the non-compliance of previous court directives. The judges emphasized that each private school must enroll deserving students based on its total enrollment strength.
The court ordered the Director of Private Schools to submit a detailed compliance report within three months, noting that Article 25-A of Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees free education for all children aged 5 to 16 years.
Further proceedings have been adjourned until November 10, as the court continues to monitor implementation.
This ruling aligns with similar actions in other regions. The Islamabad High Court recently issued comparable instructions to private schools in the federal capital, directing them to report on their compliance with the 10 percent free-education quota.
Under the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2012, private educational institutions in Pakistan are legally obligated to provide free education to 10 percent of students from low-income backgrounds. Courts have instructed education authorities to ensure strict enforcement of this law across all provinces.
