ISLAMABAD – The Sindh Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has launched an inquiry against Mr. Pervaiz Ahmed Baloch, Chairman of the Sindh Textbook Board Jamshoro, following serious allegations of corruption, misuse of authority, misappropriation of financial funds and violation of the constitutional right to free education guaranteed under Article 25-A of the Constitution of Pakistan for the ongoing academic year 2025–26.
According to an official communication issued from ACE Headquarters Karachi, the competent authority has formally authorized the probe under the Anti-Corruption Rules of 1993. The matter revolves around the process of publishing and printing textbooks for the academic session 2025–26. Notices Inviting Tender (NITs) were published during 2024 and contracts were subsequently awarded to the successful bidders with specific work orders directing them to supply the printed books within ninety days from the date of issuance of the orders, i.e. from December 30, 2024, to March 30, 2025.
Preliminary findings of the enquiry have raised questions over transparency in the entire process of tendering, contract awards, and delivery of books, suggesting possible irregularities and financial misconduct. In order to proceed further, the Anti-Corruption Establishment has urgently demanded attested copies of all relevant documents from the Sindh Textbook Board. These include the NITs, the complete list of bidders who participated in the process, the names of those declared successful, the bid evaluation report, copies of all agreements signed, the work and supply orders issued, delivery challans, full payment records including any advance payments, as well as the names and official designations of the members of the Procurement Committee who oversaw the process.
ACE has directed that these records must be submitted to the inquiry officer no later than October 2, 2025, stressing that the matter is to be treated as most urgent. The statement of the Sindh Textbook Board Chairman will also be formally recorded once the documents are received. Officials note that this probe not only seeks to address allegations of financial mismanagement but also touches upon a fundamental constitutional concern.
The delay or disruption in timely provision of free textbooks directly affects children’s right to free and compulsory education under Article 25-A, thereby undermining the state’s responsibility toward millions of students in Sindh. The case has been officially forwarded to the Director General Anti-Corruption Establishment Sindh, Karachi, for close monitoring and further necessary action.
