All private schools and colleges across Sindh will remain closed on January 9 after associations announced a protest against alleged harassment by anti-corruption officials, calling it an attack on institutional dignity.
The decision was announced during a press conference by the Grand Alliance of Private School Associations, representing sixteen private education bodies operating across Sindh’s urban and rural districts.
The alliance also declared January 8 as a Black Day, urging parents, teachers, and administrators to stand in solidarity against what it described as unlawful interference.
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Leaders of the alliance said anti-corruption officials were exceeding their authority by visiting schools directly, despite court orders restricting activities to data verification only.
According to the Grand Alliance, the verification process should be limited strictly to the Directorate of Private Institutions’ office, rather than conducted through surprise inspections at school premises.
They alleged that armed teams entering schools, recording videos, and issuing statements violated court orders and created fear among children, parents, and teaching staff.
Association representatives said parents and students were being treated like criminals, causing emotional distress and disrupting the academic environment across many institutions.
They rejected what they called a “self-made” data proforma by the anti-corruption department, insisting that only officially approved documentation should be used.
READ: Winter vacations announced for schools, colleges in Sindh
The alliance warned that the honour and dignity of private schools were at stake and would not allow armed teams to enter educational institutions under any circumstances.
Speakers stressed that private schools were not a burden on the government but a pillar of the education system, educating millions without state funding.
They said unnecessary questioning of school administrations and parents must stop immediately to protect students from psychological harm.
The Grand Alliance announced it would approach the Sindh High Court against continued harassment, seeking enforcement of existing court orders.
Leaders reiterated that court directives only allow data verification, not raids or intimidation, and urged authorities to respect judicial boundaries.
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They demanded immediate intervention by the Directorate to rein in anti-corruption officials and restore confidence within the private education sector.
The alliance emphasized unity among private school organizations, warning that protests could intensify if their demands were ignored by authorities.
Parents were advised that the January 9 closure was a peaceful protest aimed at safeguarding children’s learning environments and institutional autonomy.
