Communication and Works Department Punjab has proposed making Building Fitness Certificates mandatory for private schools across Punjab in an effort to improve student safety and regulate school infrastructure standards.
According to official correspondence sent following concerns raised by the CEO DEA Lahore, authorities have recommended detailed structural inspections of private school buildings. The proposal includes checking the strength, stability, and overall safety condition of school structures, particularly those operating in residential buildings.
Officials have also suggested appointing third-party consultants for the inspection process. Under the proposal, an independent engineering firm would conduct technical evaluations and surveys of school buildings across Punjab to ensure a uniform safety assessment system.
Sources said around 3,500 private schools in Lahore fall under the registration framework, and authorities are considering making the Building Fitness Certificate compulsory for both new registration and renewal of existing registrations. The certificate would be issued by the Buildings Department after technical clearance.
The correspondence revealed that many private schools are currently functioning in residential properties that were never approved for institutional or educational use. Authorities also noted that several buildings lack approved maps, structural records, and engineering documentation, raising concerns about safety standards.
To address these concerns, officials have proposed comprehensive structural reviews, including both destructive and non-destructive testing methods to assess the condition and durability of school buildings.
The proposal emphasizes that technical inspections are necessary to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff members. Education authorities have been asked to take an immediate policy decision regarding the implementation of these recommendations.
