3,993 institutions, Rs26.75 million fees and affiliation disputes: PAC raises questions over FBISE oversight

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised serious concerns over the affiliation practices of the Federal Board of Intermediate

Islamabad: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised serious concerns over the affiliation practices of the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE), questioning how hundreds of technical institutes and thousands of schools and colleges received approvals without completing required inspections. The committee rejected an inquiry conclusion that found “no mala fide intention” and demanded a clearer explanation of responsibility for alleged procedural violations.

The issue came under discussion 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.

The committee’s most serious concern was the affiliation of schools, colleges, and technical institutions without completing proper inspection procedures. The PAC questioned how institutions could receive approval before verifying facilities, teaching staff, and required educational standards.

According to audit findings, FBISE registered a total of 3,993 institutions, including 2,580 at the secondary level, 1,168 at the higher secondary level, and 245 technical institutions. The audit pointed out that several affiliations were granted before inspections were completed, raising questions about whether required rules were properly followed.

The committee expressed dissatisfaction with an inquiry report that concluded there was “no mala fide intention” behind the irregular affiliations. PAC members questioned how such a conclusion could be reached when the process itself was found to be incorrect.

Members argued that if procedures were violated, the reasons behind those violations and the officials responsible must be clearly identified. The committee directed authorities to revise the inquiry report and present a more detailed explanation instead of only stating there was no intentional wrongdoing.

The inquiry had identified the periods of former FBISE Chairmen Mr. Qaisar Alam and Mr. Sajjad Ali Abbasi while reviewing the matter. However, officials stated that the inquiry officer did not establish any deliberate intention behind the irregularities.

The PAC rejected this explanation and directed that the matter be sent back to the Departmental Audit Committee for further review and proper determination of responsibility.

Another major issue discussed was the affiliation of 245 technical institutes. According to audit observations, FBISE collected approximately Rs26.75 million in affiliation fees from these institutions during the financial year under review. The audit questioned whether FBISE had legal authority under the FBISE Act, 1975, to handle technical education programmes.

FBISE officials defended the decision, explaining that no separate technical board was available in Islamabad Capital Territory and that FBISE was the only institution capable of conducting examinations for technical programmes equivalent to SSC and HSSC levels.

The Law and Justice Division later provided an opinion stating that FBISE has legal authority under Sections 4, 8, and 17 of the FBISE Act, 1975, to conduct examinations and grant affiliations for technical education institutions offering programmes equivalent to secondary and higher secondary levels.

However, PAC Chairman Syed Naveed Qamar emphasized that while legal opinions are respected, clear policies and proper implementation procedures are necessary. The committee directed the ministry to issue formal guidelines based on the legal opinion and present them before the committee.

The audit also highlighted other concerns, including institutions operating in unsuitable locations such as shops or commercial areas, incomplete information about teaching staff, and inspections focusing only on physical covered areas while ignoring other educational requirements.

The committee stressed that educational institutions must meet proper standards because poor oversight directly affects students and the quality of education.