A province-wide high-level security alert has been issued for colleges across Punjab, prompting immediate action to enforce stringent safety measures. Acting on directives from the Punjab Home Department, the Higher Education Department (HED) has instructed all institutions to tighten access controls, enhance surveillance, and submit compliance reports within a week.
Colleges have been ordered to close all entrances except one main gate, where security teams will thoroughly inspect all bags and vehicles. Walk-through gates and metal detectors are to be installed to prevent unauthorized or dangerous items from entering campus premises.
Students and staff are required to carry official ID cards at all times, and vehicles without proper college stickers will be denied entry. To further secure campuses, colleges must install barbed wire along boundary walls and ensure adequate lighting during night hours, covering walkways, corridors, and open areas to reduce security risks.
CCTV cameras must be installed throughout college premises, including gates, hallways, parking areas, and other vulnerable locations, with continuous 24/7 monitoring. Security staff levels are to be increased proportionally to student populations to ensure adequate patrolling and supervision.
Emergency preparedness measures have also been emphasized. Colleges are required to install fire extinguishers and fire alarms in all buildings, and teachers and students must be trained in emergency response procedures, including evacuation drills, safety briefings, and awareness sessions.
The Higher Education Department has mandated that principals submit detailed reports on the implementation of these security measures within seven days. This will allow authorities to evaluate compliance, identify gaps, and take corrective action as needed.
The comprehensive measures aim to safeguard students, staff, and visitors while ensuring a secure learning environment amid heightened safety concerns. The province-wide alert reflects the government’s proactive approach to maintaining campus security and preventing any potential threats.
