–CJP suggests nationalisation of private schools, says it’s state’s responsibility to give free education to children
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday suggested nationalisation of all private schools across the country, as the Supreme Court barred private institutions from charging fee for summer vacations.
The chief justice was hearing an appeal filed by various private schools against the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government’s policy bounding the educational institutions to charge 50 per cent fee during summer vacations.
During the hearing, the CJP remarked, “Why should we not direct the government to take over all schools as there is no bar on nationalisation.”
He said that for the first time, parents were relieved of paying the dues, which they could now spend on recreational activities of their children.
“It’s state’s responsibility to ensure free education for the children aged till 16-year-old,” the chief justice stated. “Currently more students are enrolled in private institutions than in government schools.”
The four-judge bench headed by chief justice also sent public notices to parents of all students through two newspapers for hearing the matter.
The chief justice lamented that two previous governments did not give preference to the country’s education sector. We have already formed a commission for the enforcement of Article 25A of the Constitution, he said.
Earlier, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) had rejected a petition for private schools. Now, they have approached the apex court. However, the bench has refused to give interim relief to private schools.
Former Punjab governor Shahid Hamid was appearing on behalf of the Beacon House School System. The hearing of the case was adjourned for one week.