LAHORE: Textbook prices are expected to see a significant increase in the coming months due to a sharp rise in No Objection Certificate (NOC) and license renewal fees.
Publishers have expressed serious concerns about the new regulatory charges, warning that they may be forced to hike prices, particularly for textbooks intended for private schools.
Industry sources estimate that prices could increase by 40 to 50 percent if the revised fees remain in place. Publishers have stated that it will be impossible to maintain current prices given the steep rise in costs.
The NOC license fee for books has reportedly been raised from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 150,000, while the license renewal fee has jumped from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 75,000.
Industry representatives have cautioned that this additional financial burden will ultimately be passed on to consumers, with students and parents bearing the brunt. They have urged authorities to reconsider the decision, warning that higher textbook prices could further strain household budgets and limit access to education.
