Stop targeting private schools, K-P govt told

The provincial cabinet of the Private Education Network (PEN) Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has called for an immediate end to the exploitation and harassment of private educational institutions.

In a joint statement, Salim Khan, K-P PEN Kpresident from Haripur, expressed deep concern, stating that it is highly regrettable that private schools are being subjected to harassment through government departments.

PEN general-secretary, Tahir Amin, warned that if these actions aren't stopped, a protest movement will be launched from the K-P Chief Minister's hometown.

Deputy general-secretary, Sardar Arsalan Sadozai, added that schools are being served notices demanding large sums under the pretext of social security contributions. He emphasised that targeting private educational institutions does not only harm individual schools or owners, but poses a serious threat to the educational future of society at large. "Education is a national duty, and millions of students depend on it. Private schools are playing an equally important role in this mission," he said.

According to PEN, the government not only has failed to provide support or facilities to private educational institutions, but also imposed burdensome demands - including registration fees, multiple taxes, and now substantial financial notices under the guise of social security. Furthermore, numerous raids by government officials on private schools across various districts are creating an environment of intimidation, which PEN categorically condemns.