Punjab C&W Department Declares 143 Government School Buildings Unsafe in Rawalpindi

What happened

Following a province-wide safety inspection ordered by the Punjab government, the Punjab Communication and Works (C&W) Department has declared 143 government school buildings in Rawalpindi district as either fully or partially unsafe [1]. This inspection exercise was initiated after a private school building collapsed in Peshawar [1].

To assess the structural condition of schools across the district, the District Education Authority (DEA) Rawalpindi formed 47 inspection teams [1]. Findings indicate that between 20% and 80% of the structures at the 143 affected schools are in a deteriorating condition [1].

In response to these findings, the following actions are being taken:

• Emergency repairs have started in buildings that are less severely affected [1].
• Proposals for the reconstruction of more dangerous structures have been submitted to the Punjab government, with work planned to begin once funds are released [1].
• Unsafe sections of buildings have been vacated, and classes are continuing in alternative spaces [1].
• For Government Pahlavi High School for Boys, which was declared completely unsafe, students have been temporarily relocated to Zarai Farm School [1].

Additionally, the district administration has launched a survey of private school buildings in Rawalpindi [2]. Survey teams consisting of personnel from the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Municipal Corporation, education department, Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC), Revenue Department, and District Council have been formed [2]. These teams are directed to identify unsafe buildings using photographs and video footage and must prepare reports including construction dates and owner names [2].

Authorities have imposed a ban on educational activities within hazardous buildings and dilapidated classrooms across all public and private schools in the province, including the six districts of the Rawalpindi Division [2]. The Director of Public Instruction (Education) Punjab, Qaiser Rasheed, has issued a warning that school heads will be held responsible if an untoward incident occurs [2]. Furthermore, orders have been issued to immediately seal all classrooms that leak during rain [2]. Buildings found to be structurally unsafe will be sealed, barred from use, and may face demolition [2].

Who is affected

• 143 government schools in Rawalpindi district [1].
• Students and staff at the 143 affected schools [1].
• Government Pahlavi High School for Boys, which has been evacuated [1].
• Private schools operating in hazardous buildings across Rawalpindi [2].
• All public and private schools in the province, including those in the six districts of the Rawalpindi Division [2].