The Sindh Textbook Board (STBB) has strongly refuted media reports suggesting irregularities in textbook procurement, clarifying that an inquiry initiated by the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) does not amount to proof of wrongdoing.

An STBB spokesperson said it was “regrettable” that some newspapers presented the issue as if the board was guilty of misconduct. He stressed that such reporting harms the institution’s credibility.

The spokesperson explained that the procurement of textbooks for the academic year 2024-25 was carried out strictly under Sindh Public Procurement Rules (SPPRA/EPADS), with equal opportunity for all bidders. No participant lodged any formal complaint, while textbooks were delivered to students across the province on time without disruption – a fact he described as evidence of transparency.

He alleged the complaint behind the inquiry appeared “malicious,” noting that news of ACE’s notice surfaced in the media before the board received it formally.