Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to immediately conduct a comprehensive safety audit of school buildings located in densely populated areas across the province. The move aims to identify unsafe structures and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Under the chief minister’s instructions, officials have been asked to inspect school buildings for possible structural weaknesses and ensure they fully comply with approved construction and safety standards. The audit will focus on identifying potential risks that could endanger students and staff.
Maryam Nawaz also ordered strict legal action against individuals found responsible for negligence, poor construction practices, or violations of building regulations. She instructed the relevant departments to prepare and submit a detailed report on the condition of school buildings across Punjab after completing the inspections.
The decision comes after a tragic incident in Lahore, where part of an under-construction building at a private school collapsed in the Baghbanpura area. The accident claimed the life of an eight-year-old boy and left several other children injured. The school was reportedly conducting a summer camp when the roof collapsed.
According to Rescue 1122, construction work was in progress on the top floor of the three-storey building when a section of the structure suddenly gave way, trapping several children under the debris.
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz extended her condolences to the family of the deceased child and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. She also sought detailed reports from the Lahore Commissioner and the Director General of Rescue 1122 regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The chief minister directed health authorities to ensure that all injured children receive the best possible medical treatment without delay. She also appreciated the efforts of Rescue 1122 teams, who successfully rescued more than 10 children from the collapsed building.
The provincial government says the safety audit is intended to strengthen building standards, improve oversight, and ensure educational institutions provide a safe environment for students throughout Punjab.
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