The Punjab government is planning to make building fitness certificates mandatory for private schools as part of efforts to improve student safety and ensure structural compliance across educational institutions.
According to a letter issued by the Punjab Communication and Works Department, private school buildings would undergo structural inspections and safety assessments to evaluate their strength, stability, and overall condition.
Officials have recommended hiring independent engineering firms or third-party consultants to conduct inspections and certify the structural safety of school buildings.
The proposal also includes conducting a province-wide survey of private school infrastructure. Authorities noted that nearly 3,500 private schools in Lahore alone fall under the existing registration system.
Under the proposed framework, the Building Department would issue fitness certificates that would become compulsory for both new school registrations and renewal of existing registrations.
The communication highlighted concerns that many private schools are currently operating in residential buildings that were never approved for institutional use. Authorities also noted that several schools lack approved building maps and proper structural documentation.
To strengthen safety standards, officials have proposed detailed structural reviews using both destructive and non-destructive testing methods to assess building integrity.
The letter emphasized that technical inspections are essential to ensure the safety of students and staff in private educational institutions.
The School Education Department Punjab has been urged to make an immediate policy decision on the recommendations.
The communication was issued by the Punjab Communication and Works Department following concerns raised by the CEO of the District Education Authority Lahore.
