All private schools and colleges in Sindh will remain closed on January 9 as the Grand Alliance of Private Schools Associations announced a strike on Jan 9. The protest targets the ongoing verification drive by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE).
The announcement came during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club. Alliance leaders Haider Ali, Shehzad Akhtar, Tariq Shah, Anwar Bhatti, Danish Zaman, and Nasir Zaidi said the strike aims to ensure the “dignified implementation” of a court order. They warned against unlawful interference in private schools.
The leaders referred to a Sindh High Court Sukkur Bench verdict from December 8, 2025. The court assigned ACE to verify free shipping lists submitted by regional directors. However, the alliance claimed anti-corruption teams exceeded their mandate by inspecting private schools directly.
The alliance stated that these inspections violate the Sindh Private Institutions Act, 2013, which gives the Directorate of Private Institutions the sole authority to regulate private schools. They emphasized that armed personnel entering schools have caused fear among teachers, students, and parents.
January 8 will be observed as a “Black Day” by the alliance. They also plan to file a fresh court application challenging the current verification process. Leaders expressed concern that direct inspections disrupt the learning environment and create psychological stress, especially for female teachers and students.
The alliance highlighted the contribution of private schools in providing affordable education and free ships to millions of children. They stressed that private institutions operate under limited resources while helping reduce the number of out-of-school children in Sindh.
Officials from the association urged Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Education Minister Sardar Ali Shah to intervene. They requested that the verification process be strictly handled by the Directorate of Private Institutions and that ACE teams stop direct visits to schools.
The strike on Jan 9 is expected to impact thousands of students across the province. Parents and guardians are advised to plan accordingly, and schools have urged stakeholders to support the protest peacefully. Sindh authorities have intensified inspections of petrol pumps to curb fuel scams. Read more about the crackdown in Sindh Launches Strict Action Against Petrol Pumps Cheating Customers.
The alliance concluded by stating that the strike is a measure to protect legal rights and maintain a safe learning environment. The focus remains on proper governance and compliance with existing laws for private education in Sindh.
