Schools get 10-point advisory amid threats

Pindi division's public, private institutions told to enforce strict security measures

RAWALPINDI:

After a suicide attack at the Islamabad district courts and due to heightened security threats, a new 10-point security advisory has been issued for public and private schools across the Rawalpindi division.

Permission has also been granted for the recruitment of 30,000 retired military and police personnel on daily wages across the province.

The Education Department has issued an emergency circular to all district and tehsil education officers and school heads, mandating the immediate hiring of retired military and police officials as security guards in all schools and colleges.

All institutions must raise their boundary walls to 8 feet and install 2 feet of barbed wire on top.

According to the circular, every school and college must have an 8-foot wall with 2 feet of barbed wire, install modern CCTV cameras on gates, grounds, rooftops and corridors, and ensure UPS and a heavy-duty battery for backup.

Each school will set up a control room with emergency contact numbers, staffed by a focal person from morning assembly until closing time.

New metal detectors and walk-through gates are mandatory. Visitor registers must be maintained at the main gates, recording names and CNIC numbers.

Rescue training and anti-terror preparedness guidelines must be displayed.

Assistant district education officers will inspect two schools daily in their respective tehsils. District education officers and the CEO will also inspect two schools each day. Failure to submit daily reports will result in action against officials, and non-compliant school heads will face disciplinary measures.

Students will not be allowed to leave during break time, nor will outsiders be allowed to enter.