LAHORE, Pakistan — August 20, 2026: Students and parents across Punjab are facing difficulties obtaining Class 11 and Class 12 textbooks just days before higher secondary institutions are scheduled to reopen on August 24.
According to reports, the shortage is linked to limited initial supplies released to the market. Publishers were reportedly allocated textbooks equivalent to only about 30% of total market demand during the first phase. A substantial portion of that stock has already been sold, leaving several books difficult to find.
Booksellers say the situation is particularly serious for Class 12 students, whose textbooks are reportedly largely unavailable in the market. Some Class 11 books are available, but complete sets remain difficult for many families to obtain.
The shortage has created concern among parents and students who are preparing for the new academic session. With only a few days remaining before colleges reopen, families are worried that students could begin classes without the textbooks required for their coursework.
Publishers have reportedly been given additional allocations based on current market demand. However, booksellers say the new supplies have not yet reached the market in sufficient quantities.
The Punjab Education Department has said that printing of the required textbooks is currently underway. Officials expect the newly printed books to reach bookstores within one to two days and have assured parents that the full requirement will be available by the time educational institutions reopen on August 24.
The situation has placed pressure on publishers, distributors and education authorities to speed up the supply process. Parents are particularly concerned about having to visit multiple bookstores or wait for new stock after classes have already started.
If the shortage continues beyond the reopening date, students could face difficulties keeping pace with lessons, particularly in subjects where teachers begin coursework immediately after the academic year starts.
Authorities and publishers are therefore expected to focus on completing the printing and distribution of the remaining textbooks before colleges reopen. For now, officials maintain that the shortage will be resolved and that 100% of the required textbooks will be available in the market by August 24.
