The Lahore High Court while hearing a petition seeking uniform education policy and enforcement of provision of free education in public and private sectors, to children up to 16 years expressed surprise that government was not giving priority to the education.
The petitioner Chairman Judicial Activism Panel (JAP) Muhammad Azhar Siddique said around 150 students have been expelled from Government Central Model School, apparently without any cogent reasons. The Court asked counsel for the institution to file a detailed reply that for what reasons the students have been turned out of the school and adjourned hearing for February 28.
The court remarked that acquiring education is the fundamental right of every citizen and the court would guard that right so as no one could be deprived of it at whims others. The court appreciating the world-wide acknowledgement of Central Model School observed that the reason is of pursuing merit for admission to the students. Look at the current plight of this institution, which is evident to everyone, the Judge posed.
Raising another related issue, the petitioner-counsel said he had filed a contempt petition for not complying with the court orders against merger of Soharwardia Primary School Baghbanpura into Ashraf Primary School Darogawla, Lahore.
He said officials of district government were not obeying the LHC order and were adamant to shift school to other place. The counsel said under Article 25-A of the constitution the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children to the age of five to sixteen years.
He said literacy rate in Pakistan or in the province of Punjab is very low but both governments seem to be failed in achieving the goals. The Government schools, working under the jurisdiction and control of Federal and Provincial Government are charging fee from the students which is not only unconstitutional but a fraud which has been committed with the poor citizens of this country. The petitioner prayed to direct the federal government and Punjab government to enforce Article 25-A of the Constitution in letter and spirit.
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