Education Ministry Faces Delay in FDE, Peira Appointments
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training is facing criticism over delays in appointing permanent heads for key education bodies in Islamabad. Both the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) and the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira) continue to operate under temporary arrangements. Officials and education experts say the delays are affecting governance during an ongoing education emergency in the country.
The FDE, which supervises more than 430 schools and colleges in Islamabad, has worked without a permanent director general since July 2023. Meanwhile, Peira has also remained without a regular chairperson since January this year. As a result, questions continue to rise about the efficiency of the education ministry.
FDE Appointment Delay Reaches Court
A joint secretary from the education ministry has been managing FDE affairs for over two years. At the same time, the executive director of the Inter-Board Coordination Commission has handled Peira’s responsibilities for the past four months.Last year, the education ministry finally referred the appointment case for DG FDE to the Federal Public Service Commission. After tests and interviews, the commission recommended Javed Iqbal Mirza for the post on March 4 this year.
However, the federal government has not issued his appointment notification yet. Sources said Mr Mirza later approached the Islamabad High Court and filed a petition seeking.implementation of the FPSC recommendation. The court is expected to hear the matter again in June.
Peira Still Under Interim Management
Peira also continues to function without permanent leadership. Former chairperson Dr Zia Batool resigned earlier this year to head another organisation. Later, the ministry assigned a temporary charge to the IBCC executive director for three months. Recently, officials extended the arrangement for another three months.
Education ministry officials said the process for appointing a Peira chairperson is near completion. According to sources, the ministry has already forwarded the names of three shortlisted candidates to the Prime Minister’s Office.
