A massive Rs. 5 billion corruption scandal has surfaced within the Sindh Textbook Board (STBB), raising serious concerns about transparency in public procurement. The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has launched an official investigation into allegations that textbook printing contracts for the 2024–2025 academic year were awarded to favoured publishers without following competitive bidding procedures.
Key Figures Under Scrutiny
The inquiry primarily targets Chairman Parvez Baloch and former Secretary Taimoor Khaskheli, who have been summoned to appear at ACE’s Karachi headquarters on October 2, 2025. They are required to present all records related to the controversial contracts, including agreements with publishing companies, financial transactions, and approvals from the procurement committee.
ACE’s Documentation Demand
To uncover the full extent of the scandal, ACE has demanded a wide range of documents:
- National Tax Numbers (NTNs) of the awarded companies
- Company profiles and past work history
- Bid evaluation reports and procurement minutes
- Supply orders, delivery challans, and stock registers
- Records of advance payments and correspondence
These details will reveal whether officials awarded the contracts through merit-based competition or manipulated them to benefit select parties.
Impact on the Education Sector
The Sindh Textbook Board annually oversees the printing and distribution of 5.5 million sets of textbooks to government schools free of cost. Any financial mismanagement directly affects the province’s education system, potentially delaying or reducing the supply of books for millions of students. Educationists warn corruption scandals damage public trust in institutions, while increasing pressure on already struggling schools across Sindh province.
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Growing Calls for Accountability
The Rs. 5 billion scandal has sparked outrage among parents, teachers, and civil society groups, who demand strict accountability and transparent reforms in the procurement process. ACE officials believe this investigation will set a precedent for tackling corruption in other public departments that frequently misuse large-scale contracts.
Conclusion
As the probe unfolds, all eyes remain on the Sindh Textbook Board’s leadership and the Anti-Corruption Establishment’s findings. If confirmed, this scandal could expose education sector flaws and become a crucial test case for Pakistan’s anti-corruption reforms.
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