KARACHI: The Grand Alliance of Private Schools Associations in Sindh has withdrawn its strike call scheduled for January 9 following assurances from Sindh Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah that their concerns would be addressed. The decision was made after a delegation of school representatives met the minister on Tuesday.
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The meeting, attended by Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Chairman Zulfiqar Ali Shah, School Education Secretary Zahid Ali Abbasi, DG Private Schools Muhammad Afzal, and several association representatives, focused on issues related to the verification of “freeship” student data. Under the freeship rule, private schools must provide free education to 10 per cent of enrolled students.
The delegation highlighted concerns over the verification process being handled by the ACE, stating that there were instances of inappropriate treatment of school administrations and parents. They emphasized that data verification should be distinct from investigations, and sought a clearer, more coordinated mechanism.
Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah acknowledged the schools’ concerns, describing them as valid. He assured that an effective framework for freeship data verification would be devised to ensure transparency and minimize difficulties for school administrations and parents.
The meeting concluded with consensus on establishing a coordinated verification process, to be jointly overseen by the ACE and the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions. The mechanism aims to safeguard stakeholders’ interests while respecting court decisions.
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The minister also praised the role of private schools in advancing education in Sindh and expressed hope that the new framework would strengthen collaboration between the government and educational institutions.
Following the assurances, the private schools alliance officially called off the planned strike, preventing potential disruption to students’ academic schedules.