Private school owners have raised concerns over the Punjab government’s actions following two deadly building collapses at private educational institutions in Lahore.
The two incidents reportedly claimed the lives of 15 students. In response, the provincial government launched action against unregistered schools, academies and tuition centres.
Private school representatives have supported stricter safety measures. However, they have objected to broad action against the entire private education sector.
They argue that the government should hold negligent institutions accountable instead of treating all private schools as responsible. They have also demanded transparent inspections and clear procedures for registered schools.
Kahna Roof Collapse Killed 14 Children
The first incident took place on June 30 at a private tuition centre in Lahore’s Kahna area.
The centre was operating inside a residential building where construction work was reportedly underway. The roof collapsed during a class and trapped students and a teacher under the debris.
At least 14 children, aged between 5 and 16, died in the collapse. Several others suffered injuries.
Police later detained the building owner and contractor as part of an investigation into possible negligence.
Officials said the tuition centre was unregistered and operating from an old and structurally unsafe building.
Baghbanpura School Collapse Killed One Child
The second incident occurred two days later at a private school in Lahore’s Baghbanpura area.
A portion of the under-construction building collapsed while the school was holding a summer camp.
Eight-year-old student died in the incident, while four other people sustained injuries.
Rescue 1122 deployed 25 rescuers and seven vehicles at the site. Rescue teams safely pulled more than 10 children from the debris.
The two incidents brought the combined student death toll to 15.
Punjab Issues Notices to 744 Institutions
Following the tragedies, the Punjab government issued notices to 744 unregistered educational institutions in a single day.
Authorities gave the institutions three days to apply for registration.
Institutions that fail to comply could face legal action and fines ranging from Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 4 million under the Punjab Private Educational Institutions Ordinance, 1984.
The government also made building fitness certificates mandatory for schools.
Education authorities were directed to stop institutions from operating without valid registration and structural safety approval.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said the government would show zero tolerance for violations. He added that student safety would remain the government’s top priority.
Meanwhile, private school representatives have urged the government to enforce safety rules through fair and transparent procedures.
They maintain that registered and compliant schools should not face collective punishment for negligence committed by individual institutions.
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