ISLAMABAD: The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) on Friday told schools that they can’t increase their fee by more than five per cent annually.

“Today, we held a meeting with schools and asked them that no school can raise fee more than eight per cent. Schools are bound to increase only five per cent, in special cases, after showing their expenditure sheet, schools can increase further 3pc…but no school in any case can raise fee more than 8pc,” said acting Peira Chairman Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah.

Speaking to Dawn, he said that the regulatory authority will ensure fee regulation. He said schools were also directed to ensure 10pc free education for needy students with special preference to children of martyrs.

“We will ensure 10pc free education and five per cent and maximum 8pc fee cap,” he said and added that in case of the violation of fee policy, parents were advised to register their complaints with Peira. “We will take action,” he said. The acting chairman said the regulatory authority was also going to take action against unregistered schools operating in Islamabad.

Regulatory authority will ensure fee regulation, says acting chairman

“Around 1500 schools are registered, but still there are a large number of unregistered schools,” he said.

It is relevant to note here that recently NA and the Senate standing committee expressed concerns over reports of exorbitant fee being charged by several upscale schools.

Meanwhile, Peira held an open court (kutchery) on Friday under the chairmanship of Dr Mallah to hear issues, concerns, suggestions, recommendations and feedback from stakeholders.

“Addressing the participants, the chairman said Peira is responsible for registration and regulation of private educational institutions in Islamabad up to Intermediate/A-level with prime focus on ensuring quality education, transparency and protection of rights of students and parents,” said a press release issued by Peira.

According to press release, he said a “Complaint Cell” was functioning at Peira to address stakeholders’ concerns. However, the purpose of holding the open Kutchery was to provide a direct platform to the public to present their concerns, feedback and suggestions to the authority.

“During this Khuli Kutchery, the school representatives, parents, students, teachers and members of general public raised multiple issues and concerns related to registration/renewal of registration, fee issues, scholarships, admissions, facilities and teaching standards at private schools.”

It said that the chairman, along with the concerned officers, provided comprehensive and satisfactory responses, addressing each aspect in detail and issued necessary directives to address the grievances of the visitors.

He also assured the stakeholders and parents that full cooperation, support and facilitation will be extended to address concerns through digitization and strengthened regulatory enforcement mechanism under Peira Act and Rules.

According to Peira, the participants expressed confidence and satisfaction with the authority’s responses to their queries and the effective resolution of their complaints.

Published in Dawn, January 17th, 2026