The Lahore High Court has mandated that the registration of new schools is contingent on the implementation of a strict school bus policy. This ruling was issued during a hearing on measures to combat smog, presided over by Justice Shahid Karim.
Justice Shahid Karim emphasized the need for schools to provide pick-and-drop transport services for students. He stated that new school registrations would remain halted unless the institutions comply with the policy. The court has ordered a comprehensive report on the policy’s implementation to be submitted by December 30.
The court expressed dissatisfaction with the Secretary of Schools for failing to enforce an earlier directive that required schools to provide buses for at least 50% of their students. Justice Karim criticized the lack of progress and warned of consequences for non-compliance.
The High Court also directed that fitness certificates for school buses be made mandatory to ensure student safety. Transport authorities were instructed to develop a detailed policy for vehicle fitness and present it within 15 days. Justice Karim emphasized that school transport vehicles must undergo inspections every three months.
Furthermore, the court ordered the transport department to establish mobile units to inspect the fitness of school buses. These units must ensure that public and private buses comply with safety standards, and a deadline of November 26 was set for initiating these actions.
Justice Karim issued a clear warning: schools failing to adhere to the transport policy could face severe penalties, including sealing of the premises. Schools were also prohibited from issuing letters to parents absolving themselves of responsibility for student transportation.