167 private schools, academies sealed across Punjab

The Punjab School Education Department, in coordination 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 deadly roof collapse at a tuition centre in Lahore’s Kahna area. In response to the incident, authorities launched a province-wide inspection campaign to assess the structural condition of private educational institutions, particularly older buildings and those affected by water seepage ahead of the monsoon season.

According to official sources, inspections found that 167 schools and academies posed serious safety risks. Authorities ordered their immediate closure after declaring the buildings unsafe due to the risk of structural failure during heavy rainfall.

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Meanwhile, 744 private schools and academies with comparatively minor structural defects or leaking roofs have been issued red notices. They have been directed to complete all repair and rehabilitation work before schools reopen after the summer vacations.

Officials warned that institutions failing to begin repair work during the current month will also face sealing. They stressed that no school closed over safety concerns will be allowed to reopen until all required repairs or reconstruction work has been completed and certified by the relevant authorities.

The Punjab government said the inspection campaign will continue to ensure that educational institutions provide a safe environment for students and staff before the new academic session begins.