Families in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are facing additional expenses as private schools reopen, with parents alleging that some institutions require them to purchase books, stationery, uniforms and other school supplies from specific outlets.
Parents claim designated shops charge significantly higher prices than the open market. Some said the difference can reach 300% for certain items, adding to the financial burden on families with multiple children.
Schools in Islamabad have already resumed classes, while Rawalpindi schools are scheduled to reopen on August 24. Parents said some schools require families to purchase complete sets of books even when they already have usable copies from older siblings.
They also raised concerns over compulsory school-branded items carrying institutional logos. A comparison at Satti Book Depot showed notebooks priced at Rs. 100 to Rs. 180 in the open market selling for around Rs. 220 to Rs. 250 at designated outlets, according to shop owner Israrul Haq.
The price gap was larger for branded supplies. A file that costs around Rs. 50 to Rs. 80 in the market can exceed Rs. 200 with a school monogram. Similarly, a homework diary costing about Rs. 50 can sell for approximately Rs. 170 with a school logo.
Parents said these expenses come on top of tuition, annual and facility charges, putting further pressure on household budgets.
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