KARACHI – The Sindh School Education Department has introduced a zero-tolerance policy against private schools operating in dangerous and unsafe buildings, directing authorities to launch a comprehensive inspection drive within 15 days.
In a letter issued to the Directorate General of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions Sindh, the department instructed officials to identify buildings classified as dangerous, partially damaged or structurally unsafe.
According to the letter, concerns over the safety of students studying in hazardous buildings were raised during a meeting chaired by the secretary of school education on October 16. The meeting made it clear that educational activities would not be permitted in any building, or any part of a building, declared dangerous or unsafe.
The department directed authorities to immediately suspend educational activities in unsafe buildings and their affected sections and shift students to safe and suitable alternative locations to ensure that their education is not disrupted.
The officials were also instructed to engage with private school associations and ensure that school administrations immediately comply with prescribed building safety standards.
The letter held school owners and principals responsible for ensuring the safety of students and staff, warning that negligence or failure to comply with official directives would invite legal action under the relevant laws.
The department further directed officials to review the registration status of private educational institutions operating in dangerous or structurally unsafe buildings. Regulatory action, including closure where necessary, will be taken in accordance with the applicable rules.
The authorities have also been instructed to identify unregistered educational institutions and initiate legal proceedings against them.
The Directorate General of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions has been directed to submit a comprehensive report to the department within 15 days. The report must include details of school inspections, identified unsafe buildings, affected students, arrangements for their relocation and action taken against institutions found violating safety requirements.
The letter emphasised that protecting children’s lives remains the department’s top priority and that no compromise will be made on student safety.