Federal education system faces governance strain as three major bodies lack permanent heads

ISLAMABAD: All three major educational organisations in the federal capital — the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA), and the Directorate of Special Education — are currently being run without permanent heads, officials said, raising concerns over administrative efficiency in the Ministry of Federal Education.

According to details, the post of Director General FDE, which oversees more than 430 public sector schools and colleges in Islamabad, has been vacant since July 2023. The Directorate of Special Education has also been without a regular head for nearly a year, while PEIRA has been functioning without a chairperson for the past three months.

In the absence of permanent appointments, all three bodies are being managed through interim arrangements, with senior officials holding additional charge. The FDE, in particular, has been run by a joint secretary for an extended period, prompting concerns within the department over delayed decision-making and weakened institutional accountability.

Officials said the Ministry of Education had approached the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) to fill the DG FDE post, and the commission completed its recruitment process, including tests and interviews. A candidate was recommended earlier this month, but the appointment has yet to be finalised by the federal government.

Sources within the ministry said minor procedural issues were being resolved and the process was expected to move forward soon. The recommended candidate is currently serving in a senior administrative role within the FDE.

Similarly, the Directorate of Special Education continues to operate under additional charge, with a joint secretary managing affairs temporarily. The institution is responsible for education and training of children with special needs, making the absence of a permanent head a key concern for stakeholders.

PEIRA, which regulates private educational institutions in Islamabad, has also been without a permanent chairperson since the resignation of its former head. An acting arrangement is currently in place, with responsibilities assigned to an official from another education-related body.

Officials said interviews for the PEIRA chairperson have already been completed, while the process for appointing a permanent DG Special Education is also underway. They added that final approvals are expected once procedural formalities are completed.