Authorities seek province-wide structural safety assessment
The Communication and Works Department Punjab has proposed making building fitness certificates compulsory for all private schools across the province in an effort to strengthen student and staff safety standards.
According to an official letter sent to the School Education Department Punjab, authorities recommended conducting a detailed structural review of school buildings through a standardized survey throughout the province. The proposal aims to assess the strength, durability and overall condition of educational infrastructure operating in different districts.
Additionally, officials suggested appointing a third-party consultant and assigning inspections to an independent engineering firm to ensure transparency and maintain technical accuracy during the assessment process.
The communication stated that nearly 3,500 private schools in Lahore fall under the registration framework and would likely come under the proposed inspection system if authorities approve the plan.
Concerns emerge over schools operating in residential structures
Meanwhile, the department highlighted concerns regarding the growing number of private schools functioning in residential buildings that were not originally approved for educational purposes.
Officials also noted that several institutions lack proper building maps and structural documentation, creating serious concerns about safety standards and regulatory compliance.
Furthermore, the proposal recommends carrying out both destructive and non-destructive testing methods to evaluate the structural condition and integrity of buildings more accurately. Under the proposed mechanism, the Buildings Department would issue fitness certificates after completing technical assessments.
The suggested framework also seeks to make fitness certificates mandatory not only for school registration but also for any future expansion projects.
The letter, issued following concerns raised by the Education Authority Lahore, urged the School Education Department to make an early policy decision and prioritize infrastructure safety measures across private educational institutions throughout Punjab.
