Punjab Government Bans Classes in Unsafe School Buildings Across the Province

The Punjab government has announced a province-wide crackdown on unsafe government school buildings, directing education authorities to stop classes in structures that pose a risk to students and teachers. The decision comes as part of a broader effort to improve school safety across the province.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said all government schools are undergoing building fitness inspections. Schools declared structurally unsafe will not be allowed to hold classes until the required repair or reconstruction work is completed.

The move follows the tragic roof collapse at a tuition centre in Lahore’s Kahna area, where several students lost their lives and many others were injured. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of educational buildings across Punjab.

According to the minister, the government has already started work on rebuilding around 550 dangerous school buildings. He added that nearly 100 schools may be so unsafe that they cannot be used until major reconstruction is carried out.

Schools with approved building maps, proper maintenance records, and valid structural safety certificates will continue academic activities. Authorities have been instructed to complete inspections as quickly as possible to ensure students can study in a secure environment.

The education minister also clarified that women running tuition classes from their homes will not face unnecessary restrictions, provided they operate within the law. He said the government’s focus is on eliminating unsafe commercial education facilities rather than creating hurdles for home-based tutors.

Parents have been urged to stay alert and immediately report damaged classrooms, cracked walls, weak roofs, or other safety hazards to the relevant education authorities. The government says public cooperation is essential to prevent future accidents.

During inspections of some privatized government schools, officials also discovered missing furniture and equipment, including desks, chairs, and ceiling fans. Investigations have been initiated to determine responsibility for the missing assets.

Highlighting the broader education challenge, Rana Sikandar Hayat said nearly six million children in Punjab are still out of school. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving school infrastructure, increasing enrolment, and ensuring every child has access to a safe and quality learning environment.