Punjab Proposes Mandatory Safety Certificates For Private Schools

LAHORE: (Web Desk) – The Communication and Works Department Punjab has proposed making building fitness certificates compulsory for all private schools across the province to improve safety standards for students and staff.

In a letter addressed to the School Education Department Punjab, the department recommended a province-wide structural assessment of school buildings to evaluate their strength, stability, and overall safety condition.

The proposal suggests appointing an independent third-party consultant and engineering firm to conduct inspections in order to maintain transparency and ensure accurate technical evaluations.

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Officials noted that nearly 3,500 private schools in Lahore could fall under the proposed inspection process. Authorities expressed concern that many institutions are operating from residential buildings that were not originally approved for educational purposes.

The communication also highlighted that several schools lack approved building maps and structural documentation, raising questions about infrastructure safety. To address these concerns, the department has recommended both destructive and non-destructive testing methods for detailed assessment.

Under the proposed system, the Buildings Department would issue fitness certificates after technical review, making the certification mandatory for school registration as well as future building expansions.

The move comes after concerns raised by the Education Authority Lahore, with officials urging an immediate policy decision to strengthen public safety measures within private educational institutions.