The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday dismissed petitions challenging the Punjab government’s initiative to outsource public schools under the Public-Private Partnership program. The petitioners argued that privatizing government schools violated the law and would lead to increased fees, depriving underprivileged children of basic education. The Punjab government’s legal counsel clarified that the outsourced schools would remain under government oversight and that the initiative primarily targets non-operational schools to enhance their functionality and services.

The court’s decision supports the Punjab government’s efforts to improve the educational landscape through public-private collaboration. It is to be noted that back in September, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Public Schools Reorganisation Programme, a significant initiative aimed at saving Rs40 billion and creating job opportunities for 70,000 educated youth.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)