Karachi: The Sindh government has issued tough fire safety instructions for private schools across the province, according to the report on Tuesday.
The Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions has directed all private schools to strictly follow fire prevention and safety measures.
Under the new orders, schools must install fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers in their buildings. Emergency exits and staircases are to be kept clear at all times, while electrical wiring and other high risk areas must be checked regularly.
Schools have also been told to place fire evacuation plans at visible points within the premises. Regular fire drills are now compulsory, and teachers and staff must be trained to respond to emergencies. Special arrangements are required for students with disabilities and other vulnerable children.
Each school must also identify a designated assembly point to be used during emergencies. Authorities have warned that action will be taken against institutions that fail to comply with these instructions.
The directives follow an incident on Monday when a fire broke out at a home based school near Khokhrapar in the Malir area, leaving two children injured.
Police said the school was operating on the ground floor of a house while a family was living on the upper floor. Rescue teams reached the spot quickly and evacuated the children. During the operation, two children aged between two and a half and five years suffered burn injuries and were taken to the hospital.