Over 150 schools shut over safety risks

Authorities seal academies deemed structurally unsafe after province-wide survey

RAWALPINDI:

The Punjab School Education Department, in collaboration with the Buildings Department, has sealed 167 private schools and academies across the province after declaring their buildings structurally unsafe, following the recent roof collapse tragedy at a tuition centre in Kahna, Lahore.

A province-wide survey was launched in the wake of the fatal incident to assess the structural condition of private educational institutions, particularly dilapidated or water-seepage-prone buildings during the monsoon season.

According to official sources, the authorities identified 167 school buildings as extremely dangerous and ordered their immediate closure. These institutions have been declared highly unsafe for occupancy during the upcoming monsoon rains due to the risk of structural failure.

In addition, 744 private schools and academies with comparatively less severe structural defects or leaking roofs have been issued red notices, directing their owners to complete all necessary repair and rehabilitation work before educational institutions reopen after the summer holidays.

The notices warn that failure to commence renovation work during the current month will result in the immediate sealing of those institutions as well.

Officials said that any school building sealed on safety grounds will remain closed until the required structural repairs or reconstruction have been completed and certified by the relevant authorities.