The Grand Alliance of Private School Associations Sindh has announced a province-wide shutter-down strike for schools and colleges on January 9 across.

The decision follows protests over actions taken by the Anti-Corruption Establishment regarding verification of free admissions in private educational institutions across Sindh.

GAPSAS leaders announced the move during a press conference held today at the Karachi Press Club, outlining serious concerns over ongoing inspections.

They said that after a December 8 verdict by the Sindh High Court Sukkur Bench, the Anti-Corruption department was assigned verification duties.

According to the alliance, the verification was meant to assess free admission lists submitted by regional directors under the court’s instructions officially.

However, they alleged that the department has expanded its role by conducting direct and intrusive inspections within private schools across Sindh province.

GAPSAS leaders argued that such actions violate the Sindh Private Educational Institutions Regulation and Control Act 2013, which governs private education exclusively.

They maintained that the Directorate of Private Institutions is the sole legal authority empowered to regulate private educational institutions in Sindh province.

The alliance described involvement by any other institution as illegal and unnecessary, warning it undermines established regulatory mechanisms within the sector entirely.

They said the investigative approach is creating fear, mental pressure, and restlessness among school administrations, teachers, parents, and students across Sindh’s districts.

GAPSAS leaders also objected to the entry of armed personnel into schools, calling it entirely inappropriate for educational environments and learning spaces.

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They further stated that parents are facing hardship due to repeated questioning, despite already submitting complete data and undertakings to authorities concerned.

Appealing to the Sindh Chief Minister and Education Minister, the alliance demanded immediate intervention to stop direct entries into schools by ACD.

They announced plans to file a fresh petition in the Sindh High Court seeking to halt the ongoing verification process by authorities.

In addition, joint protest meetings involving school administrations and parents will be held across all districts from January 6 to 8 province-wide.

The alliance also announced that a Black Day will be observed on January 8 as part of the protest campaign across Sindh.

A complete shutter-down strike will follow on January 9, with all private schools and colleges remaining closed province-wide as announced earlier by GAPSAS.