Following a spate of recent fires in Karachi that have raised serious safety concerns, the Sindh Education Department has issued new guidelines making fire safety measures mandatory for private schools across the province.
The School Education Department has ordered the immediate implementation of fire safety measures in private educational institutions, making the installation of fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers mandatory.
Schools have also been instructed to keep emergency exits and stairways clear and visible.
The department emphasized that the electrical systems in schools must be regularly inspected, and emergency evacuation plans should be prominently displayed.
According to the guidelines, schools are required to conduct fire drills at least twice a year, and fire safety training for teachers and staff is mandatory.
Special safety arrangements for students with disabilities have also been mandated, including the designation of assembly points.
The Sindh Education Department has warned that strict action will be taken against schools that fail to comply with these instructions.
It is worth noting that following the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi, provincial governments have been implementing fire safety measures. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has issued an ultimatum to install fire safety systems across Karachi within three days.
According to the SBCA, the authority has informed the Chairman of Abad via a letter. The letter instructed that the fire safety audit conducted by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation must be implemented, and builders who have not taken the required safety measures have been given three days to comply.
The SBCA emphasized that these steps are in the best interest of Karachi and must be implemented immediately.
