Fire safety measures have been made mandatory at private schools across Sindh, with authorities warning of strict action against institutions that fail to comply. The move comes after a fire at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) reportedly claimed the lives of 14 newborns, raising fresh concerns over fire safety and emergency preparedness at public facilities.
According to details, the Sindh School Education and Literacy Department has directed private schools to immediately implement comprehensive fire safety measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. The Education Department has instructed private schools to install fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on their premises.
Schools have also been directed to keep emergency exits and staircases clear and accessible at all times to facilitate the safe evacuation of students in case of an emergency. Fire evacuation plans and floor maps must also be displayed prominently throughout school buildings.
Under the new directives, every private school will be required to conduct fire drills at least twice a year to ensure that students and staff are familiar with emergency procedures and know how to safely evacuate the building. Teachers and non-teaching staff must also receive training in fire safety and first aid.
Special arrangements are to be made for the safe evacuation of students with disabilities and other vulnerable children. Schools must also designate an assembly point outside the building or at another safe location where students and staff can gather during an emergency.
School administrations have been directed to conduct regular inspections of electrical systems, laboratories and kitchens to identify and address potential safety hazards before they lead to an accident. According to Additional Director Registration Rafia Javed, re-entry into a school building will be prohibited following an emergency until the premises receive the required safety clearance.
The Sindh government has made it clear that action will be taken against private schools that fail to comply with fire safety protocols. School administrations have been instructed to ensure strict adherence to all safety measures and avoid any negligence that could put students and staff at risk.