Private schools warned against ‘indecent’ activities

In a letter dated March 15, the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) has apprised the principals of all private schools that a number of complaints have been received from parents, government offices and other concerned quarters that “indecent and immoral” activities are taking place in some schools which are in “contradiction to our culture and religious values”.

These “indecent and immoral” activities, the letter goes on to say, are Halloween parties and mix dance parties which are held on school campuses “in the name of socio-cultural activities”.

The letter says that smoking and the use of drugs is also on the rise among young students of private educational institutions which is a “matter of grave concern”. Piera has directed schools to stop these activities.

The use of drugs by students and the matter of high fees was also recently taken up by the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet where Peira Chairman Hasnat Qureshi confirmed reports of the use of drugs by students in some private educational institutions.

The committee’s chairman, Senator Talha Mahmood had suggested conducting drug tests on students but the Peira chairman has said the authority’s act did not allow for conducting the tests.

Discussing the fee issue, the Peira chairman had said the matter has been in court for many months.

“Earlier, the case was heard on a daily basis, but now, the court has started giving dates of a month away,” he said.

Convocation at Foundation University

As many as 256 students were awarded their degrees at a convocation ceremony held at the Foundation University on Thursday. The highest achiever, Neha Ijaz- who completed her degree in Bachelors of Computer Software Engineering- was given the gold medal.

She is the daughter of former test cricketer Ijaz Ahmed, who also attended his daughter’s graduation event.

One student was given the silver medal, four were given distinction certificates and 13 merit certificates were also given to high achieving students.

The managing director of Fauji Foundation and President Foundation University Islamabad, retired Lt Gen Khalid Nawaz Khan was the chief guest on the occasion. Rector FUI retired Maj Gen Khadim Hussein and FU Rawalpindi Director retired brig Dr Akhtar Nawaz Malik were also present on the occasion.

Congratulating the new graduates, the FUI president said he hoped they will help make Pakistan prosperous through their hard work, perseverance and discipline. He also congratulated the parents and guardians of the students who graduated. The FUI rector also presented a university souvenir to the chief guest.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2017