Vehari:
The deteriorating buildings of a large number of private educational institutions have become a threat to children’s lives, causing herds among parents.
A local trader, Rehman Malik, whose children are studying in a private school, said the building was in such a bad condition that there was a constant risk of a major accident.
He said, “We have repeatedly informed the school administration of the dangerous state of the building, but they do not take the matter seriously.”
Another resident, Muhammad Shehzad, a real estate dealer, also expressed concern about the question. He said, “The old and weak buildings in private schools can cause a tragedy at all times, but the affected authorities remain silent spectators. We cannot risk our children’s lives.”
The parents said the provincial government should intervene against the private schools that violated the relevant rules to prevent loss.
Meanwhile, an engineering company authorized by the Punjab government to inspect private school buildings has sent a letter to the Deputy Commissioner of Vehari, calling for an investigation into the alleged issue of fake building fitness certificates to hundreds of schools in the district.
The company stated that it had issued about 450 fitness certificates for the academic year 2024-25, while more than 1,800 private schools were shown as registered on the school education department’s portal.
A spokesman for the Deputy Commissioner stated that the official had immediately taken steps to the letter and referred the case to the education department to ensure a transparent investigation into the case.
