245 technical institutes affiliated by FBISE face audit questions over legal and inspection issues

Questions have been raised over the affiliation process of hundreds of technical institutes after an audit revealed that 245 technical institutions

Islamabad: Questions have been raised over the affiliation process of hundreds of technical institutes after an audit revealed that 245 technical institutions were affiliated with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) before concerns over legal authority and inspection procedures were fully addressed.

The issue came up during the 47th meeting of the Public Accounts Committee, held under the acting chairmanship of Syed Naveed Qamar, where lawmakers reviewed audit objections related to FBISE’s affiliation procedures.

According to audit findings, FBISE affiliated 245 technical institutes during 2022 and 2023 and collected Rs. 26.750 million in affiliation fees. The audit questioned the process, stating that the original FBISE Act of 1975 mainly covered intermediate and secondary education and did not clearly mention technical institute affiliations.

Officials informed the committee that the matter was reviewed by the Law and Justice Division, which issued a legal opinion on 15 June 2026. The opinion stated that FBISE has legal authority under relevant sections of the FBISE Act 1975 to conduct examinations, provide affiliations and issue certificates for technical education programmes including Matric Tech and Inter Tech programmes at secondary and higher secondary levels.

During the discussion, PAC members stressed that clear policies and official notifications should be issued so that all concerned institutions have proper guidance regarding technical education affiliations.

The committee questioned whether the legal position and policy framework were clearly communicated before allowing affiliations. Officials were directed to ensure that proper procedures and documentation are completed before moving forward.

The audit also highlighted another issue related to the registration process of technical institutes. Audit observations indicated that provisional registrations were issued to technical institutes before physical inspections were completed. The audit noted that registrations were granted without complete details of teaching staff.

Officials informed the committee that inspections were being carried out and most institutions had already been reviewed, while only a limited number of uninspected institutions remained pending as of March 2026. Officials also informed the committee about steps being taken to improve technical and modern education in schools.

The Federal Directorate of Education has introduced coding, robotics and artificial intelligence programmes to encourage students towards technology fields. Officials said coding fellows were engaged through support from NUST, while additional technology fellows were also working to support IT education.

The committee was also informed about the Matric Tech programme, which was introduced to provide practical skills to students who may not continue traditional education after matriculation and want to enter professional careers. Officials said the aim of the programme is to provide students with useful skills that can help them find employment and participate in modern industries.

The meeting also discussed the shortage of teaching resources, especially in areas where educational facilities face staff challenges. Officials informed the committee that 1,699 teaching and non teaching fellows, including technology fellows, were engaged to support educational needs.

The committee emphasized that technical education is important for preparing young people for future jobs but stressed that proper monitoring, legal clarity and transparent procedures must remain part of the system.