Islamabad schools ordered to reduce bag weight

Authorities in Islamabad have introduced a new “Lighter School Bags Policy” for private schools while also directing the removal of a controversial O-level Pakistan Studies book from bookstores across the capital.

The decisions were taken during separate meetings involving officials from the education ministry, interior ministry, National Curriculum Council (NCC), Cambridge representatives and the Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (Peira).

According to officials, the federal government expressed concern over the continued availability of the Pakistan Studies book titled The History and Culture of Pakistan authored by Nigel Kelly for O-level students. The book had already been banned in Pakistan in April 2023 by the NCC over content considered politically biased and historically misleading.

Karachi sizzles as temperature hits 40°C

Authorities said the book allegedly attributed issues such as inflation, unemployment and crime to specific political leaders while presenting opinion as fact. Despite the ban, officials noted that copies were still being sold in bookstores. The meeting directed the education ministry and district administration to ensure the removal of all copies from the market.

Meanwhile, Peira announced several reforms for private schools, including strict enforcement of lighter school bags for students. Under the new policy, school bags must not exceed 10 per cent of a child’s body weight.

The authority also specified weight limits by grade level. Pre-school students can carry bags up to 1.5 kilograms, while students in grades 9 to 12 may carry between 6 and 8 kilograms.

Schools have also been instructed to adopt measures such as rationalised timetables, lockers and reducing unnecessary books to lessen the physical burden on children.

Additionally, Peira warned that strict legal action would be taken against unregistered private schools and institutions charging unauthorised fees. Enforcement teams, working with district authorities and law enforcement agencies, will conduct raids against violators.