The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority, known as ICT PEIRA, has approved a set of strict measures aimed at protecting students’ health, safeguarding educational standards and defending parents’ rights across Islamabad Capital Territory.
Under the new enforcement drive, unregistered private schools operating despite repeated warnings will face legal action, penalties and sealing in coordination with district administration and law enforcement. Actions will be taken under the ICT-PEIRA Act, 2013 to remove illegal operations and ensure all institutions comply with registration requirements.
To prevent financial exploitation, schools are now required to collect tuition strictly on a monthly basis only. No institution may demand advance fees beyond a 12-month academic session, and violations will trigger fines, audits and possible legal proceedings to protect families and ensure transparent fee practices.
Student health measures include adoption of the Lighter School Bags Policy aligned with international standards. Schools must ensure that school bag weight does not exceed 10% of a child’s body weight and introduce practical steps such as rationalised timetables, reduction of unnecessary books and the provision of lockers where feasible to reduce physical strain on pupils.
A dedicated complaint facilitation counter has been established so parents can report overcharging, illegal fee collection and other breaches. ICT PEIRA will monitor compliance through regular inspections and coordinated enforcement to hold non-compliant institutions accountable.
Dr. Ghulam Ali Mallah, Chairman of ICT PEIRA, reiterated that students’ health, future and parents’ rights remain the authority’s top priority and that strict compliance will be ensured to protect the interests of Islamabad’s schoolchildren. The authority also reaffirmed its commitment to quality education, transparency and effective regulation across private schools in the capital.
