Punjab government introduces mandatory Building Fitness Certificates for private schools after Kahna tragedy

The Punjab government has announced a major change in its policy for private schools by introducing a stricter system for checking the safety of school buildings.

The decision comes after tragic incidents in Kahna and Baghbanpura raised concerns about the safety of private school buildings. The government says the new policy is aimed at preventing similar accidents in the future.

According to the new rules, every private school must now obtain a building fitness certificate from a civil engineer registered with the Pakistan Engineering Council or from an approved engineering firm.

The new system was introduced after the Communication and Works Department stopped issuing building fitness certificates, forcing the government to adopt an alternative method.

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The School Education Department has sent official instructions to all deputy commissioners and Chief Executive Officers of Education across Punjab, directing them to strictly enforce the new policy without any exceptions.

The government has clearly stated that any private school that fails to submit a valid building fitness certificate will not be granted registration or renewal of its registration.

Private educational institutions have also been instructed to ensure that their buildings meet all legal and safety requirements to protect students, teachers and staff.

Officials say the main purpose of the new policy is to make school buildings safer and reduce the risk of future accidents similar to those reported in Kahna and Baghbanpura.