The Punjab School Education Department, in collaboration with the Buildings Department, has sealed 167 private schools and academies across the province after declaring their buildings structurally unsafe. This action follows the recent roof collapse tragedy at a tuition centre in Kahna, Lahore, which prompted a province-wide survey to assess the structural condition of private educational institutions, particularly those with dilapidated or water-seepage-prone buildings during the monsoon season.
Immediate Closures and Red Notices
According to official sources, the authorities identified 167 school buildings as extremely dangerous and ordered their immediate closure. These institutions have been declared highly unsafe for occupancy during the upcoming monsoon rains due to the risk of structural failure. In addition, 744 private schools and academies with comparatively less severe structural defects or leaking roofs have been issued red notices, directing their owners to complete all necessary repair and rehabilitation work before educational institutions reopen after the summer holidays.
The notices warn that failure to commence renovation work during the current month will result in the immediate sealing of those institutions as well. Officials said that any school building sealed on safety grounds will remain closed until the required structural repairs or reconstruction have been completed and certified by the relevant authorities.
Province-Wide Survey and Safety Measures
The survey was launched in the wake of the fatal roof collapse incident at the tuition centre in Kahna, Lahore, which highlighted the dangers posed by unsafe building structures in the education sector. The Punjab government has taken a strict stance to prevent any further tragedies, especially during the monsoon season when heavy rains can exacerbate structural weaknesses.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and have urged parents and guardians to report any concerns about the safety of school buildings. The education department has also emphasized that the safety of students and staff is the top priority, and no compromise will be made in this regard.
