Punjab admits lack of mechanism to regulate private school fees

LAHORE: The Punjab government has acknowledged that it currently does not have an effective mechanism to regulate fee structures in private schools, despite recurring complaints from parents over rising education costs.

The admission came during proceedings before the Lahore High Court, where provincial authorities informed the court that no comprehensive system was in place to monitor or control tuition fee increases by private educational institutions.

The court was hearing petitions challenging repeated fee hikes and seeking stronger oversight of the private education sector.

Government representatives told the court that efforts were under way to develop a framework for regulating school fees and addressing concerns raised by parents. They added that proposals aimed at improving oversight of private institutions were being considered.

During the hearing, the court stressed the need for a transparent and effective mechanism to protect parents from arbitrary fee increases while ensuring that educational institutions continue to function efficiently.

The case was adjourned after the provincial government assured the court that progress on the proposed regulatory framework would be presented at the next hearing.