Murree schools still await safety inspection

Citizens call for emergency inspections of schools, tuition centres

MURREE:

Despite directives issued by the provincial chief executive following the tragic Lahore tuition centre incident, comprehensive safety inspections of private schools and other educational institutions have yet to be carried out across Murree district, prompting concern among parents and local residents.

The Punjab chief minister had ordered a province-wide review of safety arrangements at private educational institutions, tuition centres and relevant departments, directing authorities to take strict action against those found negligent.

However, residents claim that no comprehensive inspection has so far been conducted in either of Murree district's two tehsils - Murree and Kotli Sattian.

According to local residents, many private schools have yet to undergo proper assessments of fire safety measures, emergency exits, first-aid facilities, building safety standards and other essential safety arrangements. They further alleged that no meaningful enforcement action has been taken by the relevant authorities.

Parents expressed concern that thousands of students attend private educational institutions across the district and stressed that ensuring their safety and wellbeing should remain the foremost priority.

They called on the provincial government to immediately implement the chief minister's directives by launching emergency inspections of all private schools, tuition centres and other educational institutions in Murree and Kotli Sattian. They further urged the authorities to take legal action against institutions found to be in violation of prescribed safety standards.

Residents have appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Rawalpindi Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner Murree, the Chief Executive Officer (Education), Rescue 1122 and other relevant departments to launch an immediate inspection campaign to ensure all required safety measures are in place and to prevent any potential tragedy.