Government of Punjab has decided to Outsource 2,735 additional public schools to private operators and non-governmental organisations. The plan will be implemented through the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF).
Officials say the move aims to improve the quality of education in government schools. The initiative also seeks to reduce the number of children who are currently out of school.
According to the School Education Department, private organisations and individuals will manage the selected schools. These schools are located in several districts across Punjab.
Authorities have already invited applications from interested private operators. The deadline to submit applications has been set for March 31. After the selection process, successful operators are expected to take control of the schools in April.
The government believes that the decision to Outsource public schools could help improve management and teaching standards. Officials say private operators may bring new teaching methods and better administrative practices.
Reports indicate that this is part of a larger plan by the provincial government. The authorities intend to Outsource more than 14,000 government schools in two phases.
This broader initiative could significantly change the structure of the public education system in Punjab. However, some reports suggest that the move could also affect more than 40,000 teaching posts in the province.
The first phase of the program was completed last year. During that phase, more than 11,000 schools were transferred to private operators. The development was discussed during a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in Lahore on May 4, 2025.
Supporters of the policy argue that private management can improve facilities and educational results. They believe the strategy could help address the challenge of millions of children not attending school.
However, the decision has also faced criticism from some political and social groups.
Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan chief Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman recently criticised the provincial government’s priorities. Speaking at a public event, he claimed that poverty in Punjab has increased by 31 percent.
He also alleged that public funds are being used for advertising rather than development. Hafiz Naeem further stated that nearly 10 million children in the province remain out of school.
According to him, education is a constitutional right for every child. He argued that the current system is becoming increasingly class-based.
He warned that unequal access to education could further widen social and economic gaps in society.
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Despite the criticism, the Punjab government says the decision to Outsource schools is intended to strengthen the education sector and expand learning opportunities for children across the province.
