KARACHI: All private schools and colleges in Sindh will remain closed on January 9 as the Grand Alliance of Private Schools Associations stages a strike against the Anti-Corruption Establishment’s verification drive.
At a Karachi Press Club press conference, alliance leaders stated the strike seeks “dignified implementation” of a court order and to oppose alleged unlawful interference in private education.
They claimed the Sindh High Court’s December 8, 2025, verdict tasked the Anti-Corruption Establishment with verifying freeship lists but accused teams of conducting direct school inspections, violating the Sindh Private Institutions Act, 2013, which grants regulatory authority to the Directorate of Private Institutions.
The alliance announced a “Black Day” on January 8 and plans to file a new court application challenging the process. They expressed concerns over armed personnel at schools, citing psychological stress on female teachers, students, and parents.
Highlighting their role in providing affordable education and freeships to millions despite limited resources, they urged Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah to ensure verification involves only the Directorate of Private Institutions. From January 6 to 8, consultations with parents and school administrations will occur across Sindh districts to address the issue.
