PESHAWAR – The Hub of Private Education (HOPE), representing private schools in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Monday strongly opposed the imposition of a fixed tax on private educational institutions, denouncing it as an attack on education.
They have demanded the immediate withdrawal of this anti-education tax imposed by the Sunni-Ittehad-PTI led provincial government.
According to Sidra-tul-Muntaha, General Secretary of HOPE (Women) KP, private schools are vital in boosting literacy rates by educating millions of children. Despite their significant contributions to education, the government has chosen to implement hostile policies, such as imposing taxes ranging from Rs.50,000 to Rs.2,50,000 on each institution.
She emphasized that while public schools struggle to provide education at Rs.5000-7500 per child, private schools offer quality education at minimal fees. Instead of burdening them with hefty taxes, the government should facilitate the opening of more schools.
In addition to the new tax, private schools are already subjected to various other payments to the provincial government, including registration renewal fees with regulatory authorities, income tax, professional tax, and others.
HOPE Secretary General highlighted that 90% of private schools charge less than Rs.3000 per month, barely covering their expenses. The introduction of this new tax threatens their survival and may force them to shut down.
They urged Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to reconsider this tax, warning of strong protests from schools, students, and parents if their concerns are not addressed promptly. They emphasized that if the government does not withdraw the tax, schools may have no choice but to close down.
