KARACHI: The building of Karachi’s historic Delhi Government School in Karimabad has been sealed following a court order, putting the education of more than 2,800 students at risk.
A sealing notice has been displayed at the school building, bringing academic activities to a sudden halt and creating uncertainty for students enrolled in its boys’ and girls’ sections.
The school was reportedly sealed due to a longstanding legal dispute and non-payment of rent. Sources said the Sindh Education Department, which was responsible for the school’s administration and rent payments, failed to resolve the matter in a timely manner.
Longstanding property dispute
The school building originally belonged to the Delhi Anglo-Arabic College and Schools Old Boys Association. It was nationalised during the 1970s, after which the Sindh Education Department assumed responsibility for its administration and rental payments.
However, prolonged delays and alleged negligence in paying rent eventually led the owners to approach the courts.
Following a lengthy legal battle, the court ordered the denationalisation of the school and directed that the building be vacated and sealed over outstanding rent.
The development has raised concerns about the impact of administrative and legal disputes on public education in Karachi.
2,800 students face disruption
The Delhi Government School has long been regarded as one of Karachi’s prominent public-sector educational institutions. The school has produced strong academic results over the years and achieved a top position in matriculation examinations in recent years.
The sudden closure has created serious uncertainty for more than 2,800 students, particularly those belonging to low-income and middle-class families.
Parents are concerned that the disruption could affect their children’s academic year and force families to search for alternative educational arrangements.
Similar cases in Karachi
The latest closure is not the first time a major government educational institution in Karachi has faced problems over property disputes and rent payments.
Institutions including Ayesha Bawani College and the Islamia College Complex have previously faced similar disputes involving their buildings and rental obligations.
Education-sector sources say the recurring cases highlight weaknesses in the Sindh Education Department’s management of public educational properties.
They said timely payment of rent, proper handling of legal cases, lease renewals and maintenance of government educational buildings could help prevent similar closures in the future.
