ISLAMABAD: PM Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday directed the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) to seal schools which were not readjusting their fees.

This comes after reports that some private schools are not abiding by the premier’s directive of refunding parents the increased amounts they had already paid and readjusting subsequent fees.

The PM directed PEIRA to take action against such schools and address the grievances of parents.

According to a press statement issued by the PM’s Office, PEIRA has formed a ‘grievances cell’ to address complaints of parents. They can register their complaints on 051-9101743, 03008758839, 0800-92111 or fax them on 051-9101800. They can also email their complaints to javed_peira@hotmail.com The regulatory body which looks over 1,000 private schools in the capital does not have an online page for complaint registration. They used to have an official website, with a complaints page but in January, the website was closed.

The acting PEIRA chairman, Syed Junaid Akhlaq, said: “I hope we will be able to activate our website tomorrow. It will have an online complaint registration system and other information as well.”

The chairman said so far no written complaint had been registered.

He said: “Our message is very clear. All schools will have to follow the notification. Otherwise we will seal the school under PEIRA Act.”

Another official at PEIRA said they have worked out a strategy of sealing non-compliant schools.—A Reporter