Islamabad, 27 May 2025: Fee Hike Before Summer has triggered public and political outrage in Punjab after several private schools reportedly increased tuition fees ahead of the three-month summer break despite a legal ruling barring such actions.
Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Unlawful Increases
The matter was highlighted during a recent session of the Punjab Assembly, where MPA Ahmad Rasheed Bhatti accused private educational institutions of defying a court directive.
According to Bhatti, some schools raised tuition fees by as much as Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 8,000 per student representing an increase of up to 26% even though regular classes would not be held during the summer period.
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He pointed out that the Lahore High Court had earlier declared that only 50% of the monthly tuition could be charged during vacation months.
“That verdict is being blatantly ignored,” Bhatti remarked during his address, urging the provincial authorities to intervene.
Speaker Condemns ‘Exploitative Practice’
In response, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan described the sudden fee hike as “an act of cruelty” toward parents already burdened by inflation.
He instructed the provincial Education Minister to immediately investigate the matter and initiate strict measures against institutions found violating the court order.
The Fee Hike Before Summer issue was subsequently forwarded to the Standing Committee on Schools for detailed review and action.
Past Directives Also Ignored
The controversy isn’t new. Last year, the Directorate of Private Institutions had already issued a circular warning all private schools to refrain from demanding any payments beyond regular tuition and admission fees.
That notification also specifically barred schools from pressuring parents to purchase school-branded notebooks or additional materials.
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Despite these guidelines, concerns persist that such practices continue unchecked, highlighting the need for stronger regulatory enforcement.
Parents Await Government Action
Parents have voiced frustration, saying they are being forced to pay full tuition even when educational services are not being delivered for months.
They have urged the government to hold schools accountable and ensure that the court’s decision is respected.
As Fee Hike Before Summer becomes a focal point in the education debate, the provincial administration is under increasing pressure to restore compliance and protect families from undue financial strain.
