The 10-Marla Mandate: Socio-Economic Impacts of PEF's 2026 Infrastructure Compliance Policy

Abstract

This study looks into the major operational and socio-economic effect of the Punjab Education Foundation’s (PEF) 2024-2026 infrastructure plan (PEF | Welcome To Punjab Education Foundation, n.d.), especially focusing on the requirements that all schools must have at least 10 Marla of land. While this rule is meant to ensure a uniform standard of education, it creates a serious challenge for independent Low Fee Private Schools (LFPS)((PDF) Low Fee Private Schools and the Quality of Education in Pakistan, n.d.), especially those in crowded urban areas where land is scare and expensive. The research uses a mix method, including data from online survey form from school principals and owners and a detailed look at recent educational studies. Early results show a big gap in compliance, with many urban schools operating on less than 5 Marla, the data suggests that if the strict deadline of November 2026 is enforced, there could be a lot of school’s closures, leading to an "Educational Vacuum" and a rise in student dropouts, especially among girls from poorer neighbourhoods. The study also points out a growing risk of market dominance by large school chains, which might reduce the educational fairness and they are also more expensive in market. The research ends with a proposal for a “Zoning-Based Flexibility Model”, suggesting vertical development and covered spaces as better alternatives to rigid land size rules. These findings offer important guidance for PEF and the School Education Department (SED) to maintain quality while ensuring access to education for local communities