Punjab bans classes in unsafe schools after deadly Kahna tragedy
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced strict measures to improve the condition of unsafe government school buildings, saying no classes will be held in hazardous structures until they are declared safe.
The decision comes after the roof of a tuition centre collapsed in Lahore’s Kahna area, killing at least 14 students. Rescue teams, with the help of local residents, carried out a lengthy operation and rescued 20 injured children and one teacher from the rubble.
The minister said the government is collecting structural fitness data from all government schools across Punjab to identify buildings that may pose a risk to students and staff. He said reconstruction work is already underway on around 550 unsafe school buildings. According to the minister, nearly 100 schools are in such poor condition that they may not be suitable for academic activities until they are repaired or rebuilt.
Rana Sikandar Hayat said classes will continue only in school buildings that have approved plans and complete safety records. He stressed that ensuring students’ safety remains the government’s top priority.
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The minister also assured women who run tuition centres from their homes that the government will not harass them or impose unnecessary restrictions on their work. He urged parents to remain vigilant and immediately report any unsafe school buildings to the authorities so that timely action can be taken.
Rana Sikandar Hayat further said officials found missing items, including fans and desks, in several schools after they were privatised. He added that the government is investigating the matter.
The minister also highlighted Punjab’s broader education challenges, saying nearly six million children are still out of school. He said the government is working on reforms to increase enrolment and provide a safer learning environment for students across the province.
