Private schools should be nationalised or closed, says Justice Gulzar Ahmed

ISLAMABAD: Justice Gulzar Ahmed criticized private school on Monday saying they should either be nationalized or closed entirely.

Heading a three-judge Supreme Court bench amidst a hearing of a contempt of court case against two private schools, Justice Gulzar condemned the institutions saying: “How did you have the audacity to term the court’s decision regarding hike in school fee 'a draconian judgment'. Your letters to parents are in contempt of court.”

“What kind of things do you write? We should close your schools and can even nationalise them. We can ask the government to handle the administrative affairs of your schools,” he went on to say.

In response to the statements, the counsel of the private schools apologized while vowing for a such a thing to not be repeated again.

Justice Gulzar subsequently directed for a written apology to be submitted adding that: “We will get an audit done to check whether you have black or white money.”

Further condemning private schools for being 'turned into businesses', he commented that private school owners have no shame.

The counsel of private school responded to the remarks saying: “We did not intend to insult the court and have implemented court orders and reduced fee.”, while Justice Gulzar went on saying: “Private school administrators ask parents questions which are unimaginable. Who are private schools administrators to ask parents where they take their children for holidays and entertainment? Those schools which charge high fee become famous.”

Following that, the hearing was adjourned by the court for two weeks.