The Sindh Education Department has issued new fire safety rules for private schools across the province. The action follows the deadly Gul Plaza fire in Karachi. Officials said the aim is to protect students, teachers, and staff.
In a notification released on Tuesday, the department ordered all private institutions to apply the rules at once. The instructions apply to every registered school in the province. Authorities said inspections will begin soon to check compliance.
Under the new policy, Sindh schools must install fire alarms and smoke detectors in all buildings. Each school must also place fire extinguishers on every floor. Emergency exits and staircases must always remain open. Schools must clearly mark these routes for easy use.
The department also ordered regular checks on electrical systems. Officials said faulty wiring often causes fires. Schools must fix unsafe systems without delay. Each campus must display evacuation plans in visible areas. These plans should guide students during emergencies.
Fire drills are now compulsory in Sindh schools. The department directed schools to hold drills at least twice each year. Teachers and staff must receive fire safety training. This step aims to improve quick responses during danger.
The guidelines also focus on students with special needs. Schools must create special safety plans for them. Each campus must choose a safe assembly point outside the building. Students and staff must know this location in advance.
The education department warned that strict action will follow any violation. Officials said they may impose fines or close schools that ignore the rules. The department plans surprise visits to check safety conditions.
The new steps come after a tragic fire at Gul Plaza on January 17. The blaze broke out at night in the busy shopping center. The building houses more than 1,200 small family shops. These shops sold clothes, toys, and household goods.
Rescue teams recovered more than 70 bodies from the ruins. Search work continues to find more victims. The fire shocked the city and raised serious safety concerns. Many people questioned building safety standards after the tragedy.
Officials said the tragedy showed the urgent need for better fire control. They said schools must remain safe places for children. Strong rules can reduce risks and save lives.
Parents welcomed the new decision. Many said they worry about safety in crowded school buildings. Education experts also praised the move. They said regular drills can prevent panic and injury.
The department said it will review the rules after six months. Officials will study reports from inspection teams. They may add more safety steps in the future. Read the complete update on Sindh Chief Minister Orders Fire Safety Audits: What You Should Know to learn about new inspection measures.
With these changes, Sindh schools now face stricter safety duties. The government hopes these measures will prevent future disasters. The goal is to protect every child in the province.
