Karachi’s historic school sealed, 2,800 students affected

The building of Karachi’s prominent public-sector Delhi Government School in Karimabad has been sealed following a court order, putting the education of more than 2,800 students at risk.

A sealing notice has been displayed at the historic school building, bringing its academic activities to a sudden halt. The development has raised serious concerns about the future of thousands of students enrolled in the boys’ and girls’ sections of the institution.

The school building was reportedly sealed because of a longstanding legal dispute and non-payment of rent. Sources said the Sindh Education Department failed to properly pursue the matter despite being responsible for paying monthly rent to the building’s owners.

The building originally belonged to the Delhi Anglo-Arabic College and Schools Old Boys Association. It was nationalised in the 1970s, after which the Sindh Education Department became responsible for its rent and administration.

However, prolonged delays and alleged negligence in paying the rent led the owners to approach the courts. After a lengthy legal battle, the court ordered the denationalisation of the school and directed that the building be vacated and sealed over the outstanding rent.

The Delhi Government School has long been regarded as one of Karachi’s leading and most respected government schools. The institution has produced strong academic results for decades and secured a top position in the matriculation examinations only a few years ago.

The sudden closure has created uncertainty for thousands of students, particularly those from low-income and middle-class families. Parents fear that the disruption could seriously affect the students’ academic year.

The latest incident is not the first time that a major government educational institution in Karachi has faced closure over property disputes and rent-related issues.

Institutions including Ayesha Bawani College and the Islamia College Complex have previously faced similar disputes and were sealed over issues involving their buildings and rent payments.

Education-sector sources say the recurring crises highlight weaknesses in the Sindh Education Department’s management of public educational properties.

They said timely action regarding building repairs, lease renewals, rent payments and legal proceedings could have prevented such situations.