Threats to schools: Implement security guidelines, says minister

Says private institutions cannot close without consulting government

ISLAMABAD: In an effort to beef up security at educational institutions, Minister of State for Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has directed the owners of private schools to ensure the implementation of security guidelines issued by the government.

The minister of state issued the directions during a meeting with representatives of private schools to review the security arrangement at schools in Islamabad, said a press release.

Highlighting the importance of security arrangements, Chaudhry said that school security is a sensitive issue. “We have to cope up with this challenge with better preparedness and adopting safety measures as conveyed to schools by the government,” he said.

He also assured representatives of private educational institutions that the government is not only issuing guidelines but is also extending assistance to them.

The minister lauded the contribution of private schools in the education sector, while emphasising the need for increased coordination and collaboration.

He said all government schools remained open during the previous week. “Some private schools announced closures without consulting with PEIRA or CADD. This created a lot of confusion and uncertainty among parents and students,” Chaudhry added.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 4^th,  2016.