The Punjab government has expanded the scope of its private education rules to include home-based tuition centres, coaching centres and neighbourhood academies operating from residential areas.
The change comes through an amendment to the Punjab Private Educational Institutions Act, now referred to as the Punjab Private Educational Institutions Act 2026. It brings small tuition setups, including those run by women and girls from their homes, under the definition of private educational institutions.
Under the new arrangement, properties used for these educational activities will fall under the property tax system. Their electricity and water connections will also be treated as commercial instead of residential, which could increase utility costs for operators.
The amendment also covers small private schools functioning in residential areas, whether they are registered or unregistered.
The decision has faced criticism from the All Pakistan Private Schools Colleges Association. Its president, Irfan Muzaffar Kayani, called for the amendment to be withdrawn, saying it could place extra financial pressure on women and girls who teach a small number of children from their homes.
Earlier this year, authorities also said unregistered academies would need to meet required safety and fitness conditions.
