Private educational institutions in KP criticized for exploiting families despite summer vacations
PESHAWAR (APP): Despite ongoing summer vacations, private educational institutions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) continue to charge exorbitant fees, placing an unbearable financial burden on families already grappling with inflation and economic hardship.
This unchecked commercialization of education in Khyber Pakthunkhwa has triggered growing concern among parents, educators, and policymakers, urging KP Govt to direct the private schools not to charge summer vacations’ fees from students.
Over the past decade, KP has witnessed a dramatic rise in private schools and academies, especially in villages, tehsils, and district headquarters. While the proliferation of these institutions has filled gaps left by an under-resourced public sector, critics argued they are draining families dry under the pretext of providing “quality education.”
“Education in KP has rapidly transformed into a business venture, with many private schools being established and run by wealthy families and local businessmen. These institutions lure parents with promises of international-standard curricula, English-medium instructions, and competitive exam preparation but almost failed in their claims,” said Misal Khan, a retired Govt servant.
“I was forced to pay Rs 25000 per month of my grandchildren’s private school’s fee even in summer vacations while the PTI Govt paid a deaf ear to such an issue,” he said.
For many families, he said the cost of these promises is too high. “It’s become a nightmare,” says Misal Khan. “We pay school fees, academy fees, transportation charges—every month—even during vacations. I survive on a fixed pension, and it’s nearly impossible to sustain this commercial education system in KP.”
Like Misal Khan, many parents across the province are left with no choice but to keep paying to secure a better future for their children, even if it means financial distress.
An increasing number of students are also enrolled in private tuition academies, which have emerged as parallel educational systems, often staffed by the same teachers employed in private schools. These academies charge per subject, further compounding the financial load on families.
Private school principal Sidra Sheraz of Tehsil Pabbi, Nowshera, defended the system, stating, “We do offer scholarships and transport to talented students besides ACs/Room Coolers.
She added that 65% of academy fees go to teachers, which attracts skilled educators. “We have professional teachers in every subject, which enhances quality. But yes, affordability remains a challenge and parents interested in the careers of their children have to pay more compared to Govt schools.”
She claimed that payment of rent and salaries to staff were the main reasons for charging students during summer vacations.
Parents argue that private schools take advantage of the lack of rules and regulations. “Despite summer breaks, these schools continue to demand full monthly fees which was unjustified. Though authorities have directed institutions to seek government approval before raising fees, implementation on the ground remains inconsistent in KP,” said Fayaz Khan, a resident of Wapda Town Peshawar while talking to APP.
He said parents have to pay extra money by hiring private tutors for preparation of professional medical and engineering colleges’ tests during summer vacations keeping in view of the declining education standards in KP.
The lack of accountability and transparency in private schools has led to widespread frustration. Critics argue that while private institutions boast better infrastructure and teaching standards, they also exploit parents, especially in urban centers like Peshawar, where cost of living is high.
The irony is that while private schools flourish, KP remains home to a staggering number of out-of-school children (OSC). According to the Benazir Income Support Program (BISP) 2021 Report, over 4.7 million children in KP between the ages of 5 and 16 are out of school. Among these, 2.9 million are girls, and a million children in the merged tribal districts have no access to formal education.
The dropout rate is alarmingly high in underdeveloped districts such as Upper Kohistan, Palas Kolai, Torghar, and Shangla. In some areas, OSC figures soar above 70%, highlighting the vast socio-economic divide.
Sahibzada Khan, President of PML-N Nowshera, lambasted the PTI-led provincial government for what he said were the tall hollow claims. “The numbers debunk PTI’s promises of a uniform education policy as it failed to control private school fees or reform public education despite 12 years in Govt.”
Former Director of Elementary Education KP, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, emphasized that the root of the problem lies in poor public education standards. “If public schools had smaller class sizes, subject specialists, and proper facilities, students wouldn’t need academies.”
He called on the government to strictly implement Article 25-A of the Constitution, which mandates free and compulsory education for all children up to the matric level.
He also proposed digital reforms—launching school websites, newsletters, and online educational content—to modernize public education and encourage enrollment.
In response to growing criticism, KP’s Education Department has declared a special education emergency in the 2025–26 budget. According to Shahab Khan, Senior Planning Officer, the government has increased the education budget to Rs. 363 billion in 2025-26, up 11% from last year.
He said Rs. 5 billion allocated for tackling the out-of-school crisis, Rs. 5.9 billion for upgrading infrastructure in 32,500 public schools and Investment in co-curricular activities, teacher training, and provision of basic facilities like clean drinking water and toilets.
“These initiatives show our commitment to transforming the education sector,” said Shahab. “We are prioritizing reforms that address both access and quality.”
The KP education sector stands at a crossroads. On one hand, private institutions continue to thrive, driven by demand for quality education; on the other, millions of children remain deprived of even basic schooling.
Without comprehensive regulatory frameworks, effective public education investment, and socio-economic reforms, the current system risks deepening inequality. As more families are squeezed by rising fees and commercial exploitation, the dream of accessible, quality education for all remains elusive.
