Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered an immediate safety audit of school buildings across the province, particularly those located in densely populated areas, following a fatal roof collapse at a private school in Lahore.
The chief minister directed the relevant authorities to inspect school structures for potential safety hazards and ensure compliance with approved construction standards. She also ordered strict legal action against those found responsible for negligence or substandard construction.
Officials have been instructed to submit a comprehensive report on the structural condition of school buildings across Punjab.
The directive comes after an under-construction portion of a private school building collapsed in Baghbanpura, Lahore, killing an eight-year-old student and injuring several others during a summer camp.
According to Rescue 1122, construction work was underway on the top floor of the three-storey building when a section of the structure gave way, trapping children under the debris.
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz extended condolences to the bereaved family and sought detailed reports from the Lahore Commissioner and the Director General of Rescue 1122.
She also directed health authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured and commended Rescue 1122 personnel for successfully rescuing more than 10 children from the collapsed building.
