The Punjab government has announced that classes will no longer be held in unsafe government school buildings as part of a province-wide effort to improve school safety.
The announcement was made by Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat following the tragic roof collapse at a tuition centre in Lahore’s Kahna area that claimed the lives of at least 14 students.
Action Following Lahore Tragedy
The new measures come after a roof collapsed at a tuition centre in Kahna, Lahore, where rescue teams, assisted by local residents, recovered 20 injured children and one teacher from the debris during an extensive rescue operation.
The incident has prompted the provincial government to reassess the structural safety of educational institutions across Punjab.
Province-Wide School Safety Assessment
According to the education minister, the government has started collecting fitness data for all government school buildings across the province.
The assessment aims to identify structurally unsafe schools and determine whether they are suitable for academic activities.
Classes Banned in Hazardous Buildings
Rana Sikandar Hayat said that classes will not be conducted in buildings considered unsafe.
He added that authorities have already begun work to reconstruct approximately 550 dangerous government school buildings.
The minister also noted that nearly 100 schools may be in such poor condition that they cannot be used until appropriate measures are taken.
However, schools with approved building plans and satisfactory safety records will continue normal academic activities.
Parents Asked to Report Unsafe Schools
The minister urged parents to remain vigilant and report any school buildings they believe may be structurally unsafe.
He emphasized that public cooperation would help authorities identify potential risks and improve student safety.
Tuition Centres Operating from Homes
Addressing concerns about private tuition centres, Rana Sikandar Hayat said the government will not harass women who conduct tuition classes from their homes or impose unnecessary restrictions on their work.
Missing School Equipment After Privatization
The minister also stated that inspections conducted after the privatization of some schools revealed missing government property, including:
- Ceiling fans
- Desks
- Other school equipment
Officials are reviewing these cases as part of ongoing oversight efforts.
Addressing Broader Education Challenges
Beyond infrastructure, the minister highlighted Punjab’s broader education challenges, noting that approximately six million children remain out of school.
He said the government is continuing efforts to improve enrolment while strengthening school infrastructure and ensuring a safer learning environment.
