Privatization of Public Schools: Fourth Phase Approved

RAWALPINDI (Education Reporter): The Education Department has approved the fourth phase of privatizing government schools, under which a total of 6,460 schools will be privatized. This includes 5,860 primary and middle schools, alongside a decision to close all schools with an enrollment of up to one hundred students. Prior to this, the Education Department completed the privatization of 13,600 schools across the first three phases. Furthermore, the department has decided to allow new admissions in government schools only until October 31, imposing a complete ban on further admissions starting November 1. Meanwhile, teacher organizations and parents have strongly condemned the privatization of public schools, demanding an immediate reversal of the decision. Expressing their stance on the issue, Sufi Ramadan Inqilabi, Shafique Bhalwalia, and Dr. Sagheer Alam declared that teacher associations, in collaboration with non-teaching staff organizations, will launch widespread protests against the move.