Islamabad: The Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) presented a detailed overview of its operations, reforms, and challenges to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Federal Education. While the briefing highlighted significant progress in skill development, digitization, and student welfare, it also sparked serious debate over the introduction of the Cambridge curriculum in public colleges and the long-standing delay in appointing a permanent Director General.
Director General Junaid explained that FDE currently supervises 432 educational institutions across the Islamabad Capital Territory, including 145 in urban areas and 287 in rural regions. According to the latest census figures, student enrollment stands at 237,938. This includes 107,440 students at the primary and pre-primary levels, 94,816 in middle and secondary classes, 30,845 in higher secondary education (HSSC), and 4,837 enrolled in BS programs at degree colleges. The total staff working under FDE includes 13,774 employees, with 9,408 teaching staff and 4,366 non-teaching staff.
Addressing the financial aspect, the DG clarified that the total budget allocated to FDE for the fiscal year 2025–26 is PKR 24.123 billion. This includes PKR 1.010 billion for FDE headquarters, PKR 21.596 billion as operational budget for educational institutions, and PKR 1.517 billion under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The development allocation represents a decrease compared to last year’s PKR 4.374 billion PSDP budget.
The committee was briefed on several reform-oriented programs. These include a new character education curriculum developed in collaboration with the Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority, as well as financial literacy and entrepreneurship modules being developed in partnership with the Rupani Foundation. A life skills-based education curriculum has been implemented in 100 schools, where teachers have already been trained. To address employability, the FDE has initiated the establishment of 17 vocational skill labs offering training in areas such as plumbing, electrical work, and stitching.
One of the most significant initiatives is the creation of a centralized Digital Learning Hub, designed to allow a single expert teacher—especially in science subjects—to deliver live lectures to up to 100 IT labs at once. This move aims to bridge the gap in specialized teaching staff, particularly in rural areas. The DG also stated that the Ministry of IT has committed to providing fiber internet connectivity to all FDE schools by December 2025. Solar panels have already been installed in 100 schools, and handwashing stations have been introduced at the entrance of 100 institutions.
In terms of health and nutrition, the FDE has expanded its school meal program, currently serving 56,000 students in 195 schools. An eye screening campaign conducted in collaboration with a health NGO screened 200,000 children, and de-worming medication was provided to 125,000 students. On the mental health front, the DG mentioned the “Umr-e-Rawa” program currently running in two colleges and the availability of the “Taskeen” mobile application for psychological support. Plans are underway to hire psychologists in the current fiscal year to support students with learning disabilities and emotional difficulties.
Despite these positive developments, the committee members raised critical questions. One member brought up the issue of “ghost students,” referring to a past incident at a G-9 school. The DG explained that the discrepancy was due to a principal’s failure to update records when some students temporarily moved, and stressed that cross-verification with textbook and meal distribution data showed no evidence of widespread fraud.
A more contentious issue was the FDE’s plan to introduce the Cambridge curriculum in four public colleges—two for boys and two for girls. The proposal was met with sharp criticism from lawmakers, including the committee chairperson and member Shazia Marri, who argued that promoting an imported educational system undermines Pakistan’s own boards and creates inequality. They urged the FDE to instead strengthen the FSC and HSSC systems to bring them on par with international standards. DG Junaid defended the move by explaining that it would offer a pathway for academically ambitious students who could not afford private Cambridge schooling, stressing that the option would remain limited in scope.
Another topic of concern was the progress on the rural schools uplift program. The DG reported that renovation work in 76 schools has nearly been completed, while construction of 120 new classrooms is underway, with full project completion expected by September.
Finally, the committee expressed concern over the continuing leadership vacuum in the department. Members noted that the post of Director General has been held on an acting basis since 2023, following a stay order issued by the court in response to the appointment process. The DG acknowledged the delay and said that the matter remains sub judice.
While the committee appreciated the positive strides made in technology, mental health, and student nutrition, members concluded the session by emphasizing the need for clear, nationally aligned policies on curriculum development and timely resolution of administrative appointments.