Scheme launched to recycle textbooks

The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) has announced the establishment of book banks across all its schools and colleges. These repositories will collect gently used textbooks, which will then be redistributed to other pupils at the start of each new academic session.

In a notification issued by the FDE, all model institutions in Islamabad have been instructed to ensure the timely supply of free textbooks for the 2026-27 academic year. Students currently enrolled are required to return their textbooks, in good condition, to their school's book bank following the annual examinations.

The circular makes clear that pupils from nursery to grade eight will be expected to exchange their old books for new ones, and only those who submit their sets in serviceable condition will be eligible to receive replacements. Heads of institutions have also been directed to establish a proper system for the collection, sorting and stacking of books by class and subject.

Area Education Officers have been assigned the responsibility of overseeing the initiative and ensuring that the book bank scheme is carried out effectively.