ICT Private Schools Law Updated with Female Representation Rule

Pakistan’s National Assembly has passed the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Private Educational Institutions (Registration and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026 to update governance rules, improve representation, and clarify administrative authority within private educational institutions operating in Islamabad Capital Territory.

The ICT Private Educational Institutions Act, 2013 regulates the registration and functioning of private educational institutions in Islamabad. The government says the amendment was needed to align the law with federal governance reforms, improve institutional representation, and replace outdated administrative terminology.

What Changed in the Law?

“Division Concerned” Added in the Law

The amendment introduces the term “Division Concerned,” which refers to the ministry or division responsible for matters related to the Act. Previously, certain powers and responsibilities were linked to broader government terminology, creating administrative ambiguity.

The government says this change will:

• Clarify administrative responsibilities
• Improve coordination between institutions and regulators
• Reduce procedural delays
• Strengthen governance mechanisms

Female Representation Made Mandatory

The amendment requires that among the members appointed to the relevant authority or board, at least one member must be a woman.

This change follows federal government directives aimed at ensuring greater female participation in statutory bodies, public sector organizations, and regulatory institutions.

Administrative Authority Updated

Section 18 of the Act has been amended to replace the word “Government” with “Division Concerned” in relevant provisions.

The government says this amendment will:

• Clearly identify the responsible authority
• Improve administrative efficiency
• Simplify decision-making processes
• Reduce confusion regarding regulatory powers

Governance Reforms Introduced

The amendment is part of broader governance reforms initiated after federal directives requiring ministries and divisions to replace general references to the “Federal Government” with specifically designated authorities wherever appropriate.

Why This Law Was Needed

According to the Statement of Objects and Reasons, the Federal Government directed ministries and divisions to update laws under their jurisdiction to ensure:

• Better administrative clarity
• Greater female representation in public bodies
• Improved institutional governance
• Alignment with modern administrative practices

The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training initiated these amendments to ensure compliance with federal directives and strengthen the regulatory framework governing private educational institutions in Islamabad.

Key Objectives of the Amendment

• Ensure female representation in regulatory bodies
• Clarify administrative authority through the “Division Concerned” definition
• Improve efficiency in institutional governance
• Modernize the legal framework governing private educational institutions
• Align the Act with federal governance reforms and cabinet directives

Pakistan’s National Assembly has passed the ICT Private Educational Institutions (Registration and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2026 to modernize governance procedures, strengthen female representation, and improve administrative clarity within Islamabad’s private education sector. The amendment introduces clearer authority structures and aligns the law with broader federal governance reforms.