The Punjab School Education Department, in collaboration with the Buildings Department, has sealed 167 private schools and academies across the province after their buildings were declared structurally unsafe. The action follows a province-wide inspection campaign launched after the deadly roof collapse at a tuition center in Lahore’s Kahna area, which raised serious concerns about the safety of educational institutions.
The inspection drive was initiated to assess the structural condition of private schools, particularly those operating in older buildings or showing signs of water seepage ahead of the monsoon season. Officials said the inspections aimed to identify buildings that could pose a danger to students, teachers, and staff during periods of heavy rainfall.
According to official sources, authorities found that 167 private educational institutions were at serious risk of structural failure. As a result, the buildings were declared unsafe for occupancy and ordered to close immediately. Officials warned that these institutions cannot continue academic activities until the required repairs or reconstruction work is completed and approved by the relevant departments.
In addition to the sealed institutions, another 744 private schools and academies have been issued red notices after inspectors identified comparatively minor structural defects, including leaking roofs and maintenance issues. These institutions have been directed to complete all repair and rehabilitation work before schools reopen following the summer vacations.
Authorities have warned that educational institutions failing to begin repair work during the current month will also face sealing. Officials said strict monitoring will continue throughout the province to ensure that school buildings meet safety standards before students return to classrooms. The government has stressed that student safety will remain the top priority during the inspection process.
The latest action comes in response to growing concerns over the condition of aging school buildings across Punjab, especially as the province prepares for the monsoon season. Experts have repeatedly warned that weakened structures, damaged roofs, and water seepage can significantly increase the risk of building collapses during heavy rains if timely maintenance is not carried out.
Officials said schools that have been sealed due to safety concerns will only be allowed to reopen after completing the required repair or reconstruction work. The buildings must also receive structural safety clearance from the relevant authorities before classes can resume. The Punjab government has urged all private educational institutions to ensure compliance with safety regulations to protect students and staff from avoidable accidents.
The province-wide inspection campaign is expected to continue in the coming weeks as authorities work to identify additional buildings requiring urgent repairs. The government says the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen safety standards in educational institutions and prevent similar incidents in the future.
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