ISLAMABAD: The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) on Monday conducted a third hearing of a petition filed by parents against exorbitant fee increases by private educational institutions.

The petition was heard by a two-member bench headed by NCHR Chairman retired justice Ali Nawaz Chohan.

The NCHR said private schools have become money making machines and that profiteering will not be allowed in the education sector.

Representatives of various private schools in the federal capital including Nassir Kasuri from Beaconhouse School System, Navid Sultan from Super Nova, Quratulain from Global System of Integrated Studies, a representative of the Roots School System and others also attended the hearing.

The acting head of the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) Imtiaz Ali and parents` representatives were also present.

Member of the NCHR bench Chaudhry Shafique told Dawn the state is responsible for providing quality education to all children between the ages of five and 16, free of cost and that successive governments have f ailed in doing that so f ar.

`It is the fundamental right of children to get an education and we will not allow private schools to exploit the situation and charge unrealistic fee,` he said.

When asked about the hearing, Mr Shafique said that representatives of private schools had said the matter was in the Supreme Court and also that they pay teachers good salaries which is why they cannot reduce fees.

Mr Shafique said the matter pertains to a fundamental right which is why the commission will take it to its logical end and will also issue a detailed report to the government, with directions for ensuring access to education.

He said the report will also say that schools do not focus on physical activities.