Educational decline feared in privatised schools

Serious concerns have emerged over deteriorating conditions in nearly 13,000 educational institutions across Punjab, including Rawalpindi district, which have been handed over to private management during the past two years under outsourcing and public-private partnership arrangements. According to education sector representatives, many of these schools are now facing an acute shortage of basic facilities, including electricity, water, furniture and other essential resources. Several outsourced schools have reportedly been abandoned altogether, with buildings locked and lying deserted. Complaints have also intensified regarding cost-cutting measures adopted during school hours, including the switching off of electric fans to avoid high electricity bills. In one widely discussed incident at a school operating under a public-private partnership arrangement, management allegedly turned off ceiling fans during classes. A video of the incident went viral on social media, prompting the registration of an FIR against the school administration. Muhammad Shafiq Bhalwalia, Secretary General of the Schools Education Pensioners Association, along with Punjab Teachers Union central president Ramzan Inqalabi and union leaders Bashir Warraich and Amjad Mahmood, stated that approximately 13,000 primary, elementary and high schools had been outsourced over the past two years. They claimed that many of these institutions were now struggling due to administrative difficulties and dilapidated infrastructure. They further alleged that when schools are transferred to private operators under partnership arrangements, female teachers possessing only matriculation or FA qualifications are often recruited on salaries ranging from Rs7,000 to Rs10,000 per month, while students are charged fees of around Rs1,500 each. Union representatives also alleged widespread violations of employment agreements in outsourced schools. According to them, teachers are reportedly made to sign salary receipts showing payments of Rs17,000 per month, despite actually receiving only Rs7,000. Allegations of fake student enrolments have also surfaced. Education leaders warned that the continued transfer of public educational institutions into private hands amounts to closing the doors to free education. They argued that the policy is steadily destroying the dream of quality public education for children from poor families. They demanded an immediate halt to the privatisation of educational institutions, insisting that the provision of free education remains a constitutional and moral responsibility of the state. Meanwhile, a total of 9,217 high and higher secondary schools are currently operating under the Punjab Education Department across Punjab, but the absence of permanent heads has severely affected the administrative and academic functioning of these institutions. No regular headmasters, headmistresses or principals have been appointed in government high and higher secondary schools for the past three years. Instead, schools are being run under an ad hoc arrangement merely to manage day-to-day affairs. Out of the 9,217 institutions, only 2,973 have permanent headmasters or principals, while 6,244 schools are functioning without regular heads. This means that nearly two-thirds of Punjab's high and higher secondary schools are operating without permanent administrative leadership. Although temporary and inexperienced acting heads have been assigned in some institutions, their appointments are also on an interim basis, further aggravating the situation.

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Pakistan moves to salvage fragile ceasefire

Pakistan on Sunday stepped up its diplomatic engagement with key regional and international players as fresh exchanges of fire between Iran and the United States threatened to unravel the fragile ceasefire and jeopardise the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a series of telephone conversations over the last 48 hours with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Iran, besides separately speaking with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas. The flurry of diplomatic contacts came as fresh US-Iran military exchanges cast a shadow over the MoU both sides signed on June 18, committing to end hostilities on all fronts. The latest escalation followed US allegations that Iran was behind attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington responded with strikes on Iranian military targets, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran against US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. The renewed hostilities have once again put the future of the Islamabad MoU in jeopardy. Diplomatic sources said Pakistan was in close contact with all stakeholders in an effort to prevent the situation from spiralling into a wider regional conflict. During his conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Dar conveyed Pakistan's condolences over the helicopter crash in Saudi Arabia that claimed 14 lives. He expressed sympathies on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the people of Pakistan. Prince Faisal thanked Pakistan for the brotherly gesture. The two leaders also discussed the evolving regional situation and expressed concern over the latest escalation, with Dar reiterating Pakistan's commitment to continue working for peace under the Islamabad MoU. Prince Faisal also conveyed his intention to visit Pakistan at the earliest mutually convenient date. In his conversation with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Dar briefed her on Pakistan's continued diplomatic efforts aimed at developing a comprehensive framework for peace and stability in the Middle East. Kallas appreciated Pakistan's role in facilitating the signing of the Islamabad MoU but expressed serious concern over the recent ceasefire violations and stressed the importance of keeping channels of communication open. The two sides agreed to remain in close contact. The Bahraini foreign minister, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, congratulated Pakistan on the signing of the Islamabad MoU and praised Islamabad's constructive role in facilitating the understanding between Washington and Tehran. Al Zayani expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region and said he would visit Pakistan soon to personally thank the Pakistani leadership for its efforts. Dar also spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to playing a constructive role in achieving lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond. Araghchi appreciated Pakistan's continued support in advancing the peace process and thanked Islamabad for facilitating the safe repatriation of Iranian crew members and fishermen. Separately, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated London's appreciation for Pakistan's sustained efforts for peace and stability in the region that culminated in the signing of the Islamabad MoU. Diplomatic sources said Pakistan was particularly concerned that the latest military exchanges could derail efforts to transform the ceasefire into a broader political settlement. Major differences still remain between Washington and Tehran over several contentious issues, including the future security architecture of the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and the interpretation of key clauses of the MoU. The renewed tensions have also raised fears in Islamabad that instability in the Gulf could adversely affect global energy markets and maritime trade routes, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints. Pakistani officials said Islamabad would continue engaging both regional and international players in an effort to preserve the ceasefire and prevent the latest military exchanges from escalating into a broader regional conflict.

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IHC rules travel bans require due process

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has ruled that travel restrictions on citizens can only be imposed by a competent legal authority and strictly according to the procedure prescribed by law, declaring that names cannot be placed on the Passport Control List (PCL) without due process. In a significant judgment on citizens' right to travel, the court ordered the immediate removal of petitioner Zain Atiq's name from the PCL, holding that his continued inclusion on the list was unlawful. According to the judgment, Atiq's name was placed on the PCL after he was deported from Turkiye in July 2022. Subsequently, FIA recommended removing his name from the list upon the petitioner's request, noting that more than two years had elapsed since his deportation. However, the Passport Authority rejected his application on the ground of non-prosecution. The court observed that a person deported for illegal entry or any other prohibited act cannot be kept on the PCL indefinitely without the approval of a competent authority. The judgment noted that the record did not show that any competent authority had ever decided to retain the petitioner's name on the PCL. It observed that the record showed no evidence of any conviction or pending criminal case against him in Pakistan or in Turkiye. Referring to the Shireen Mazari case, the IHC reiterated that travel restrictions on citizens can only be imposed by a lawful authority through the procedure laid down by law. It held that the relevant authorities had failed to fulfil the legal requirements in the present case. While observing that the Passport Authority has the final authority in such matters, the court ruled that the FIA's recommendation could not be ignored without sound legal reasons. The judgment further noted that no criminal proceedings were pending against the petitioner, there was no record of any conviction by a competent court, and no other legal basis existed to justify continuing his inclusion on the PCL. In the absence of any lawful determination by a competent authority, the court held, the petitioner's name could not remain on the PCL. Consequently, the IHC directed the authorities to immediately remove Zain Atiq's name from the PCL.

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Sargodha police arrests 3 suspects for allegedly burying boy alive after reporting rape attempt

A 14-year-old boy was allegedly buried alive in a village on the outskirts of Mari Lak in Punjab's Sargodha district after he reported an old rape attempt, police said on Saturday, adding that a case was registered and three suspects were arrested. The injured boy was rescued and taken to the District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors said his condition was out of danger. According to police, the 14-year-old was allegedly subjected to a rape attempt around 20 days ago. However, the family did not approach police at the time, due to which no action was taken then. The police initially arrested two suspects, while the main suspect was later taken into custody. Read More: Child's brutal rape, murder shakes the city Sargodha District Police Officer Muhammad Suhaib Ashraf said the incident was being investigated from all angles and that the suspects would be dealt with in accordance with the law. He said it was too early to conclude the allegations, adding that a final opinion would be formed after forensic reports. Read: Operator rapes boy in lift, gives him Rs100 to shut up The boy told The Express Tribune that after he complained about the incident, the suspects became angry and decided to punish him. “He (the primary suspect) decided to teach me a lesson. On Muharram 9, I was picked up from outside my house in the afternoon and severely beaten by him along with two accomplices,” the boy said. “He later took me to a deserted area where bushes were growing and a hole had already been dug by a wild animal. I was thrown into it and covered with soil,” he added. A first information report (FIR) was registered on Friday on the complaint of the boy's mother at Jhal Chakian Police Station under Sections 34 (common intent), 324 (attempted murder) and 376(3) (rape of minor) and identified three suspects. According to the FIR, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, she stated that on June 25 at around 4:30pm, her 14-year-old son left home to attend a gathering but did not return till late night, prompting the family to inform the police via helpline 15. She further stated that the following day she and her husband were still searching for the boy when they suddenly heard a child crying. Upon reaching the spot, they found the child buried in the ground, with only his leg visible. Police and Rescue 1122 teams were called again, after which Rescue 1122 personnel retrieved the child and took him to the DHQ Hospital. The FIR added that when the child regained consciousness, he stated that around 20 days earlier he had told the elder brother of the main suspect that his sibling had subjected him to indecent assault. Also Read: Child abuse cases in Pakistan rise 8% to 3,630 in 2025: Sahil He further said that on June 25, while he was on his way to a gathering at around 5pm and reached Dera Wadhra, the main suspect intercepted him and questioned him about disclosing the incident to his older brother. The FIR stated that the other two suspects also arrived at the scene, after which all three abused and assaulted him and took him to nearby fields, where they subjected him to violence and buried him in the ground. Terming the incident a grave injustice, the complainant requested legal action against the suspects, seeking justice and their punishment.

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Sargodha police arrests 3 suspects for allegedly burying boy alive after reporting rape attempt

A 14-year-old boy was allegedly buried alive in a village on the outskirts of Mari Lak in Punjab's Sargodha district after he reported an old rape attempt, police said on Saturday, adding that a case was registered and three suspects were arrested. The injured boy was rescued and taken to the District Headquarters Hospital, where doctors said his condition was out of danger. According to police, the 14-year-old was allegedly subjected to a rape attempt around 20 days ago. However, the family did not approach police at the time, due to which no action was taken then. The police initially arrested two suspects, while the main suspect was later taken into custody. Read More: Child's brutal rape, murder shakes the city Sargodha District Police Officer Muhammad Suhaib Ashraf said the incident was being investigated from all angles and that the suspects would be dealt with in accordance with the law. He said it was too early to conclude the allegations, adding that a final opinion would be formed after forensic reports. Read: Operator rapes boy in lift, gives him Rs100 to shut up The boy told The Express Tribune that after he complained about the incident, the suspects became angry and decided to punish him. “He (the primary suspect) decided to teach me a lesson. On Muharram 9, I was picked up from outside my house in the afternoon and severely beaten by him along with two accomplices,” the boy said. “He later took me to a deserted area where bushes were growing and a hole had already been dug by a wild animal. I was thrown into it and covered with soil,” he added. A first information report (FIR) was registered on Friday on the complaint of the boy's mother at Jhal Chakian Police Station under Sections 34 (common intent), 324 (attempted murder) and 376(3) (rape of minor) and identified three suspects. According to the FIR, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, she stated that on June 25 at around 4:30pm, her 14-year-old son left home to attend a gathering but did not return till late night, prompting the family to inform the police via helpline 15. She further stated that the following day she and her husband were still searching for the boy when they suddenly heard a child crying. Upon reaching the spot, they found the child buried in the ground, with only his leg visible. Police and Rescue 1122 teams were called again, after which Rescue 1122 personnel retrieved the child and took him to the DHQ Hospital. The FIR added that when the child regained consciousness, he stated that around 20 days earlier he had told the elder brother of the main suspect that his sibling had subjected him to indecent assault. Also Read: Child abuse cases in Pakistan rise 8% to 3,630 in 2025: Sahil He further said that on June 25, while he was on his way to a gathering at around 5pm and reached Dera Wadhra, the main suspect intercepted him and questioned him about disclosing the incident to his older brother. The FIR stated that the other two suspects also arrived at the scene, after which all three abused and assaulted him and took him to nearby fields, where they subjected him to violence and buried him in the ground. Terming the incident a grave injustice, the complainant requested legal action against the suspects, seeking justice and their punishment.

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Heavy firing, explosion rock Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar

Heavy gunfire and a powerful explosion were reported in Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar on Saturday, triggering panic among residents. According to reports, intense gunfire was heard near Meteorological Chowrangi on University Road. A loud blast was also heard prior to the firing incident. Rescue 1122 spokesperson said that a report of a blast near Gulistan-e-Johar Block 5 was received by Rescue 1122 on Saturday. He said the Central Command and Control at Rescue 1122 received the information and immediately dispatched a team to the site of the incident. He added that Rescue 1122 teams have reached the location and are currently assessing the situation on the ground. Following the reports, a heavy contingent of police reached the spot. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and contacted inspector general of police (IGP) Sindh and additional inspector general (AIG) Karachi. According to the chief minister's spokesperson, Shah has sought a detailed report on the incident from the additional IGP Karachi. He directed the police to immediately determine the nature of the incident, reach the scene without delay, and ensure that all necessary measures are taken. More to follow...

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PTI issues show-cause notice to MNA Iqbal Afridi over alleged discipline violations

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday issued a show-cause notice to Member of the National Assembly Iqbal Afridi over what it described as repeated violations of party discipline, directing him to submit a written explanation within seven days. According to the notice, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, Afridi has been asked to explain his position regarding a series of allegations levelled against him. The notice, issued by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, accused Afridi of "routinely misbehaving with party MNAs", alleging that such incidents had "at times been captured on camera and streamed on televised news and social media". It further alleged that he had used "derogatory language and undignified remarks" against fellow lawmakers. Read: NA suspends PTI lawmaker over misconduct The notice also alleged that Afridi had "routinely gone against parliamentary party decisions during National Assembly proceedings". SHOW-CAUSE NOTICE FOR GROSS VIOLATION OF PARTY DISCIPLINE-IQBAL AFRIDI MNA pic.twitter.com/xYSgOP7uOk — Sheikh Waqas Akram (@SheikhWaqqas) June 27, 2026 In another allegation, the party claimed that his "derogatory behaviour has not only been directed towards party MNAs but also junior and senior staff of the National Assembly". Referring to an incident outside Adiala Jail, the notice alleged that on June 23, Afridi had "planned an assault on party MNAs" and that one of his accomplices assaulted several lawmakers. "You were personally involved in the assault. Party members gathered at Adiala for Imran Khan's cause; your action directly sabotaged this," the notice stated. PTI further alleged that Afridi's "actions and behaviour" had "brought disrepute to the party publicly" and constituted "serious misconduct, indiscipline, and conduct prejudicial to party discipline and unity". The notice asked Afridi to explain why his basic membership should not be cancelled and why he should not be expelled from the party. "You are directed to submit your written response within seven days of receipt of this notice. Failure to respond may result in further proceedings in accordance with the party's constitution," the notice concluded. The party warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period could lead to further disciplinary proceedings, including the cancellation of his basic membership and expulsion from PTI. Earlier, sources revealed that the decision to issue a show-cause notice was made during a PTI parliamentary party meeting, where members discussed Afridi's conduct and his recent altercations with fellow party lawmakers. Afridi had a dispute with PTI leader Junaid Akbar during the previous parliamentary session. He was also involved in an argument with MNA Sibghatullah outside Adiala Jail.

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