In a significant development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Minister for Elementary and Secondary Education, Arshad Ayub, has taken strict notice of a major financial irregularity and ordered a formal inquiry. The probe targets the alleged unauthorized printing of textbooks worth a staggering Rs130 million by the provincial Textbook Board.
Minister's Strong Displeasure and Directives
Presiding over a high-level briefing on the board's operational affairs, Minister Ayub expressed his strong displeasure over the incident. The controversy revolves around the printing of an additional 400,000 books beyond the authorized requirement. Ayub stated that this unauthorized move has inflicted a significant loss on the public exchequer, and such actions are inexcusable.
"Those involved in this matter cannot be excused," the minister declared emphatically. He directed the concerned authorities to pursue legal action against all individuals found responsible for the financial misconduct.
Ensuring Transparency and Adherence to Rules
During the session, which was attended by Secretary Elementary and Secondary Education Muhammad Khalid, Textbook Board Chairman Abidullah Kakakhel, Board Secretary Dr. Zainullah, and other senior officials, Ayub issued clear instructions for systemic reform.
He directed the Textbook Board officials to ensure complete transparency in all future printing plans. Every procedure must be brought in strict alignment with the relevant rules, regulations, and financial guidelines to prevent such scandals from recurring.
Focus on Demand, Quality, and Timely Delivery
The minister laid down clear operational principles for the board's future work. He stressed that textbooks must be printed strictly according to actual student requirements and market demand. Any excess production leads to avoidable financial losses and wastage of public funds.
Ayub also called for immediate measures to curb all forms of wastage and to uphold the highest quality standards for all curriculum materials. Furthermore, he gave directives to ensure that new textbooks for grades nine to eleven, which incorporate the latest curriculum revisions for the upcoming academic year, are made available to students without any delay.
The briefing included a detailed overview of the board's functions and ongoing work presented by Chairman Abidullah Kakakhel. The minister's firm stance signals a crackdown on mismanagement and a push for greater accountability within the province's educational infrastructure.
