BISE Lahore’s HBL-only payment system faces backlash

Parents criticises move, policy discriminates against families without HBL access

Students and parents across Lahore have voiced frustration after the city’s education board restricted all payments to the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) app, leaving many struggling to complete fee submissions.

Under the new policy, the Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) has limited fee and form payments exclusively to HBL’s online app and in-person outlets. Payments through other banking channels have been blocked, with Easypaisa transfers being the only exception.

Students say the change has caused long delays and inconvenience, as many do not hold HBL accounts and must spend hours waiting in queues at bank branches or the board’s office.

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“It takes an entire day just to make the payment, and another day for it to be verified,” one student complained, calling the process “stressful and unfair.”

Parents have also criticized the move, arguing that the policy discriminates against families without HBL access. “This arrangement benefits the bank and the board, but not the students,” said one parent, urging authorities to restore multiple payment options.

Despite mounting criticism, the Lahore Board has yet to issue a statement explaining the rationale for the decision or whether it plans to introduce alternate payment channels.