'No action planned against private schools in Karachi'

Ghani says SBCA issued notices by mistake

KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided not to take any action against private schools operating in residential areas throughout the city. Announcing the decision, Sindh Chief Minister’s Adviser Barrister Murtaza Wahab, assured the parents, students and management of private schools that there were no plans to initiate any action in this regard and they should continue with their educational activities without any fear.

Talking to media, he also refuted the reports that action was planned after the winter vacations of schools. Panic gripped parents and students as well as the owners of private schools as media on Monday reported that Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) had decided to take action against private schools operating residential localities of Karachi. These reports also said that SBCA had served notices to thousands of private schools and tuition centres to either relocate themselves within a month’s time or face the consequences.



The notice reminded that most of the schools are operating in buildings approved for residential purposes and asked the owners and management is relocate their schools to premises or places which are approved for commercial activity.

“Private schools association of Karachi is also requested to ensure shifting of their schools/educational institutions/tuition centres on proper designated premises/plots during winter vacation,” the SBCA notice said.

The SBCA had also published a notice in newspapers warning people carrying business or commercial activities contrary to approved building plan or land status.



The Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani admitted that SBCA notification regarding schools was released due to a misunderstanding. While speaking to the media after attending a court hearing challenging his election on Tuesday, Ghani said that the SBCA rules did permit establishment of schools in residential areas, but added that the schools are supposed to follow a procedure. He added that the students and their parents need not worry about the future of the schools.

He, however, advised the owners and management of all the private schools established and operating in the residential areas to get the get their school premises regularised through SBCA.

He also admitted that SBCA officials played a role in the construction of illegal structures throughout Karachi in the past few years. “However, since the time I have assumed charge I have made it clear that the authorities would no longer tolerate encroachments in the city or the province,” he said.  Several illegal structures have already been demolished and the process is still going on. He said that he would take action against SBCA officials found involved in bribery or who were denying permission to people despite the required legal formalities being fulfilled.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 28^th, 2018.