In a major development, the Sindh High Court (SHC) Sukkur Bench has announced that all private schools in Sindh must provide free education to 10% students. The decision aims to make quality education accessible to every child, regardless of financial background. Schools that fail to follow this order risk suspension of their registration.
This bold verdict has been welcomed by parents and education rights activists who have long demanded stricter enforcement of free education laws across the province.
What the Sindh High Court Ordered
The SHC bench, led by Justice Zulfiqar Ali Sangi and Justice Riazat Ali Sahar, expressed concern over the lack of implementation of previous court directives. The judges noted that several private institutions were ignoring their legal responsibility to accommodate students from low-income families.
The court stated that:
- Every private school must allocate 10% of its total seats for poor and deserving students.
- Schools refusing to comply may have their registration suspended or cancelled.
- The Director of Private Schools Sindh must submit a detailed compliance report within three months.
- This order is based on Article 25-A of the Constitution of Pakistan, which ensures free education for children between the ages of 5 and 16.
The next hearing has been scheduled for November 10, where compliance reports will be reviewed.
Why This Decision Matters
This verdict is not just another administrative order it’s a significant move toward educational equality in Sindh. For years, Pakistan’s education system has been divided between expensive private schools and underfunded public schools. The SHC’s directive aims to bridge that gap.
By ensuring free seats for underprivileged students in private schools, thousands of children could now gain access to better learning facilities, qualified teachers, and an environment that supports their growth.
Legal Background: The 10% Free Education Law
The Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2012 and the Sindh Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2013 clearly state that every private educational institution must provide free education to at least 10% of enrolled students who belong to poor or deserving families.
However, many schools have failed to comply with this law. The SHC’s latest ruling serves as a reminder that the 10% free-seat policy is not optional — it’s a legal obligation.
Private Schools’ Responsibilities Under the New Order
Every private school in Sindh must take the following steps immediately to avoid penalties:
- Identify deserving and underprivileged students based on family income and background.
- Reserve 10% seats in every class or grade for free education.
- Submit reports to the Directorate of Private Schools confirming compliance.
- Avoid charging hidden costs such as books or uniforms from free-seat students.
- Ensure inclusion, so that free-seat students receive equal opportunities and treatment.
Failure to follow these directions could lead to strict disciplinary action, including cancellation of the school’s registration.
Implementation Summary of Free Education Policy in Sindh
| Requirement | Responsible Authority | Action Needed | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% Free Seats Allocation | Private Schools | Reserve seats for poor/deserving students | Effective immediately |
| Compliance Monitoring | Directorate of Private Schools Sindh | Collect and verify reports from schools | Within 3 months |
| Enforcement | Sindh Education Department | Suspend or cancel registration of non-compliant schools | After compliance review |
| Next Court Hearing | Sindh High Court (Sukkur Bench) | Review implementation report | November 10, 2025 |
Benefits of free education to 10% students
For Students and Parents
- Access to quality education: Poor children will get a chance to study in reputed private schools.
- Reduced burden on public schools, which are often overcrowded.
- Better future opportunities for children from low-income families.
- Improved literacy rate and educational equality across Sindh.
For the Education Sector
- Promotes social inclusion and diversity within private schools.
- Encourages corporate social responsibility in the education industry.
- Strengthens public trust in private institutions.
- Sets a precedent for other provinces to follow.
Challenges for Private Schools
While the decision is widely praised, private schools have expressed some concerns:
- Financial strain: Covering tuition, books, and other costs for 10% of students may impact budgets.
- Limited infrastructure: Some schools may struggle to accommodate additional students.
- Verification process: Determining which families truly qualify as “deserving” can be difficult.
- Administrative burden: Regular reporting and compliance checks may increase paperwork.
However, education experts believe that the social benefits far outweigh these challenges.
How This Decision Aligns With National Education Goals
The order supports Pakistan’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) — ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education for all. It also enforces the constitutional right to education under Article 25-A, which states:
“The State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children of the age of five to sixteen years.”
The Sindh government has been under pressure to improve access to education, especially in rural districts where poverty and dropout rates remain high. This policy strengthens efforts to bring every child into the classroom.
What Parents Should Know
Parents belonging to low-income families can approach nearby private schools and ask about the 10% free-education quota. To qualify, they may need to provide documents such as:
- CNIC or B-Form
- Proof of income
- Residence certificate
- Application for financial assistance
Parents should also report any school refusing to entertain such requests to the Directorate of Private Schools Sindh or the Education Department helpline.
Step-by-Step Guide for Private Schools to Implement the Policy
- Audit Current Enrollment: Determine total student strength.
- Calculate 10% Quota: Identify the exact number of students eligible for free education.
- Select Candidates: Choose deserving students through a transparent process.
- Maintain Records: Keep data ready for submission to authorities.
- Report to the Directorate: Submit compliance forms within the given timeframe.
- Follow Up: Ensure continued support and equal treatment of these students.
Long-Term Impact on Sindh’s Education System
This initiative can reshape the education landscape in Sindh by promoting inclusive growth and reducing inequality. Children from poor families studying alongside others in private schools will gain exposure, confidence, and opportunities that were once beyond their reach.
Over time, such policies can:
- Reduce the education gap between rich and poor.
- Reduce the education gap between rich and poor.
- Strengthen social integration and mutual understanding.
- Encourage other provinces to adopt similar reforms.
- Help Pakistan move closer to its education-for-all vision.
Conclusion
The Sindh High Court’s decision is a historic milestone in promoting educational justice. By mandating that private schools offer free education to 10% of students, the court has taken a strong stand for equality and inclusion. If implemented properly, this policy will empower thousands of children from underprivileged backgrounds and move Sindh closer to achieving universal education. Private institutions now have a chance to become true partners in nation-building by making education not just a privilege, but a right for every child.
FAQs
Q1: What is the new Sindh High Court order about private schools?
The Sindh High Court ordered all private schools to provide free education to 10% of their total enrolled students from poor and deserving families.
Q2: Who will get free education under this Sindh order?
Underprivileged children from low-income families aged 5 to 16 years will get free education in private schools as part of the 10% quota.
Q3: How many free seats must private schools reserve in Sindh?
Each private school in Sindh must reserve at least 10% of its total enrollment for free education for poor and deserving students.
Q4: What happens if a private school in Sindh doesn’t follow this rule?
Private schools that fail to provide free education to 10% of students risk suspension or cancellation of their registration by the Sindh Education Department.
Q5: Which law supports free education in Sindh private schools?
The Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2012 and Sindh’s 2013 Education Act make it mandatory for private schools to offer free education to 10% of students.
Q6: When must Sindh private schools submit their compliance report?
All private schools must submit compliance reports to the Directorate of Private Schools Sindh within three months of the court’s decision.
Q7: How can parents apply for free education in Sindh private schools?
Parents can apply directly to nearby private schools under the 10% free-education quota by providing income proof, CNIC, and student details.