All private schools and colleges in Karachi will remain closed on Friday, January 9, 2026, following a strike announced by the Grand Alliance of Private Schools Associations (GAPSAS). The shutdown is being observed to protest recent raids conducted by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) at private educational institutions.
The closure will affect millions of students across Karachi, prompting parents to make alternative arrangements for the day. School representatives have advised parents to stay updated through official school communication channels for further announcements.
According to private school associations, sudden inspections and raids by armed officials inside school premises have created fear and mental stress among students and staff. They claim such actions disrupt classroom activities and make female teachers feel unsafe, negatively impacting the learning environment.
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School owners have emphasized that under the Sindh Private Educational Institutions Act 2013, the Directorate of Private Institutions (DPI) is the only authorized body to regulate and inspect private schools in the province. They argue that direct action by ACE violates legal procedures.
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The dispute arose following a Sindh High Court order dated December 8, 2025, directing authorities to verify whether private schools are providing 10% free education to underprivileged students, as mandated by law. School associations say they already comply with this requirement and are willing to cooperate through legal and civil mechanisms, not enforcement-style raids.
Private school bodies have reiterated their commitment to education and social responsibility while opposing what they describe as a growing “raid culture” that harms the reputation of educational institutions and disrupts students’ academic routines.
