Rs 5 Billion Corruption Scandal Sindh Textbook Board Uncovered
The Rs 5 billion corruption scandal Sindh Textbook Board has erupted. The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) launched a formal inquiry into alleged contract irregularities.
The scandal centers on printing contracts for free schoolbooks. ACE suspects that those contracts were granted without fair tendering.
Key Officials Under Scrutiny
ACE summoned Chairman Parvez Baloch and former Secretary Taimoor Khaskheli. They must appear at ACE’s Karachi office on October 2.
These officials must bring all relevant records: contract files, financial papers, correspondence, etc. ACE plans wide document review.
Scope & Year in Question
The investigation covers the 2024-25 academic year, when contracts allegedly bypassed competitive bidding norms.
Those contracts reputedly went to “favoured publishers” instead of transparent procurement channels.
Documents & Evidence Under Review
ACE requested various files:
- NTNs of contracted firms
- Previous work histories
- Bid reports and evaluation committees
- Supply orders and delivery challans
- Advance payment records
- All correspondence in procurement committee channels
- Contract award documents and internal memos
This breadth of demand signals a thorough probe into procurement chain integrity.
Educational Scale & Public Concern
Sindh Textbook Board annually prints and provides 5.5 million textbook sets free to government schools.
Given that scale, any corruption here affects millions of students.
Public trust in education systems may suffer if procurement becomes tainted. Transparency is especially important for public sector education.
Parallel Reporting & Media Coverage
The Tribune also reported on this probe. It noted ACE had intensified scrutiny and issued summons to board officials.
Profit (Pakistan Today) echoed the allegations, citing favoritism and hidden violations in free book printing contracts.
These multiple reports raise pressure on authorities to act swiftly and transparently.
Risks to Education & Governance
Such a massive scandal threatens more than money. It undermines education equity, resource efficiency, and institutional accountability.
If procurement is manipulated, textbook quality may suffer while costs inflate.
It also deprives honest publishers and firms of opportunities, creating an unfair environment.
Repeated corruption claims may discourage donors or investors from supporting public education.
What Defense May Argue
Officials under fire may claim procedural errors rather than corruption. They could argue delays or technical issues, not favoritism.
They may present partial justifications: emergency orders, supply challenges, or quality assurances. However, ACE’s wide document demands suggest they expect full accountability.
What Happens Next & Timeline
- October 2: Officials must appear before ACE in Karachi.
- ACE will analyze records, question procurement committees, and demand clarifications.
- Possible freeze, recovery, or cancellation of contracts if irregularities confirmed.
- Legal action or departmental punishments could follow for culpable individuals.
ACE may extend scope if evidence emerges for other years or departments.
Comparative Cases & Precedents
Education sector corruption is not new in Pakistan. Past cases involved funds, ghost schools, or textbook mismanagement.
This scandal stands out by scale (Rs 5 billion) and by directly involving core public education delivery.
Precedent suggests that strong public scrutiny and media coverage help push accountability.
What Stakeholders Must Do
Sindh government must fully support ACE probe and insist on transparent proceedings.
Education department should conduct internal audits to identify loopholes.
Publishers and civil society must demand open bidding, real audits, and public disclosure of contracts.
Students, parents, and teachers require assurances that quality and delivery won’t suffer damage from this scandal.
Conclusion
The Rs 5 billion corruption scandal Sindh Textbook Board threatens to become one of the most significant education sector probes in recent years. ACE aims for a deep, wide investigation into procurement practices, contract awards, and institutional accountability.
Given the impact on millions of students and billions in public spending, prompt transparency and firm corrective action are vital. If the scandal resolves with justice and reform, it will reinforce public trust in education governance.
