The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government is set to privatize 55 public colleges to tackle low enrollment and staffing shortages, following the privatization of 1,500 schools earlier in 2025. This move has stirred concerns among educators who argue for addressing core issues like teacher shortages and inadequate facilities instead.
Move to Privatize Colleges
The Higher Education Department (HED) in KP has identified 55 public colleges across various districts for potential privatization. The plan aims to improve management and educational quality in institutions struggling with low student numbers, insufficient staff, or security challenges, building on the province’s earlier shift of 1,500 schools to private hands.
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Which Colleges Are Affected?
The colleges targeted for privatization are spread across multiple districts:
- Dera Ismail Khan: 7 colleges (home district of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi).
- Swabi: 6 colleges (represented by Education Minister Faisal Tarakai).
- South Waziristan and Karak: 5 colleges each.
- Bannu and Battagram: 4 colleges each.
- Orakzai: 3 colleges.
- Abbottabad, Haripur, Mansehra, Nowshera, Kurram, Shangla, Kohistan: 2 colleges each.
- Peshawar, Hangu, Lower Dir, Malakand, North Waziristan, FR Tank: 1 college each.
These colleges, particularly in remote areas, face unique challenges that the government hopes privatization will address.
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Why Privatize? The Government’s Case
Kamran Afridi, Secretary of Higher Education, stated that the selected colleges often have fewer than 500 students, with some reporting enrollments as low as double digits or “bogus” admissions existing only on paper. Privatization, he argues, could enhance efficiency and quality. To address staffing, faculty from these colleges will be reassigned to nearby institutions, as KP faces a shortage of 6,000 educators. Additionally, 3,086 new teaching positions await cabinet approval.
Educators Push Back
Educators have voiced strong opposition. Abdul Hameed Afridi, President of the Professors, Lecturers, and Librarians Association, said teachers raised concerns with Higher Education Minister Meena Khan Afridi, who assured that objections would be reviewed and privatization paused where issues persist. Afridi noted that most KP public colleges perform well, with students excelling in competitive exams. He urged the government to prioritize fixing teacher shortages, poor facilities, and security issues in remote areas over privatization.
What Lies Ahead?
The KP government has not finalized the privatization plan, with Kamran Afridi emphasizing ongoing evaluations to ensure minimal disruption for students and faculty. Educators, however, continue to advocate for investment in public colleges as a better path forward. The debate will likely influence the future of higher education in the province.
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