Around 60 students were hospitalized after fainting during an outdoor photoshoot at a private school in Shikarpur, reportedly following prolonged exposure to extreme heat.
The students had allegedly been called to the school during the summer holidays and were required to remain outdoors for the photography session. Several children began feeling unwell before losing consciousness.
Students Taken to Civil Hospital Shikarpur
The affected students were immediately transported to Civil Hospital Shikarpur for medical treatment.
According to hospital figures reported by local media, those brought to the facility included:
| Students | Reported Number |
|---|---|
| Girls | 46 |
| Boys | 14 |
| Total | Around 60 |
Doctors provided treatment for suspected heat-related illness, dehydration and exhaustion. Reports later said all the affected children were in stable condition and out of danger.
Students Allegedly Kept Outdoors in Extreme Heat
The incident reportedly occurred while several parts of Sindh were experiencing extremely high temperatures.
Students had allegedly been standing under direct sunlight for an extended period when they began fainting one after another.
Questions have since been raised about why an outdoor activity was arranged during severe summer weather and whether adequate shade, drinking water and other safety arrangements were available.
School Reportedly Opened During Summer Holidays
The private school had reportedly called students to campus despite educational institutions being closed for summer vacations.
The event is also said to have taken place on a weekly holiday, prompting further concerns about why students were required to attend the school.
Authorities are expected to examine whether the school violated summer closure instructions or student safety requirements.
Investigation Launched After Incident
Following the hospitalization of the students, authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the photoshoot.
The inquiry is expected to determine:
- Why students were called during the summer break
- Who authorized the outdoor photoshoot
- How long the children remained in direct sunlight
- Whether drinking water and shaded areas were available
- Whether the school followed official safety instructions
- Who was responsible for supervising the students
Further action may depend on the findings of the investigation.
Incident Raises Concerns About Student Safety
The incident has renewed concerns about schools arranging outdoor activities during periods of extreme heat.
Children can be particularly vulnerable to dehydration, heat exhaustion and other heat-related health problems. Educational institutions are therefore expected to avoid unnecessary outdoor exposure during the hottest hours of the day.
Schools arranging activities in warm weather should provide drinking water, ventilation, shaded spaces and regular breaks while closely monitoring students for signs of illness.
The Shikarpur incident highlights the importance of placing student health and safety ahead of administrative, promotional or photography-related activities.
