LAHORE: Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has announced strict action to improve the condition of unsafe government school buildings across the province, saying classes will not be held in structures that pose a risk to students.
The announcement follows the tragic roof collapse at a tuition centre in Lahore’s Kahna area, where at least 14 students lost their lives. Rescue workers, assisted by residents, carried out a lengthy operation and rescued 20 injured children along with one teacher from the debris.
The minister said the government is gathering building fitness reports from all government schools in Punjab. He added that reconstruction work has already started on around 550 school buildings identified as unsafe.
Rana Sikandar Hayat said nearly 100 schools are in such poor condition that they cannot be used. However, he clarified that classes can continue in buildings that have approved maps and meet safety standards.
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He also assured women running tuition centres from their homes that the government will not interfere with their work or impose unnecessary restrictions.
The minister urged parents to remain vigilant and report any school buildings they believe are unsafe. He further revealed that after the privatization of some schools, inspections found missing items, including fans and desks, in several buildings.
Rana Sikandar Hayat also highlighted the province’s education challenges, saying nearly six million children in Punjab are still out of school. He added that the government is taking steps to increase enrolment and improve access to education.