Probe ordered into Rs130m extra textbook printing

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education, Arshad Ayub Khan, has ordered an investigation into the alleged printing of additional textbooks worth Rs130 million at the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Textbook Board.

He also directed that strict legal action be taken against all those found involved.

Expressing strong displeasure, the minister said that the printing of 400,000 extra textbooks had caused a significant loss to the public exchequer, adding that those responsible "cannot be forgiven under any circumstances."

Chairing a briefing on the affairs of the Textbook Board, the minister instructed officials to ensure full transparency in the printing of textbooks and to align existing printing procedures with established rules, regulations and financial discipline.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Elementary and Secondary Education Muhammad Khalid, Textbook Board Chairman Abidullah Kakakhel, Board Secretary Dr Zainullah and other officials. During the briefing, the chairman gave a detailed presentation on the board's functions and operations.

Minister Arshad Ayub directed the Board to strictly assess needs before printing and to ensure that printing quantities match actual demand and market requirements. He also emphasized immediate measures to prevent financial losses and to ensure high-quality production of textbooks.

Additionally, he instructed the Board to guarantee the availability of new textbooks for the revised curriculum from Grade 9 to Grade 11 for the upcoming academic year.