The Department of Education has directed all private schools in Karachi to strengthen safety measures for students. The instructions aim to prevent accidents and ensure safer transportation arrangements.
The orders follow directives from the Provincial Education Minister. The Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Educational Institutions issued the official instructions.
The department has asked school administrations to take full responsibility for student safety. It also highlighted several dangerous practices involving school transport vehicles.
Gas Cylinders Banned in School Vans
The Directorate expressed concern over school vans operating with gas cylinders installed. Officials warned that these arrangements could put students’ lives at serious risk.
Such vehicles may face fire hazards, explosions, and other dangerous incidents. The Directorate has therefore instructed schools to ensure that transport providers remove unsafe arrangements.
Administrators must also prevent the use of unsafe fuel-filling methods. Reports indicated that some vehicles were receiving fuel through bottles and cans. Officials described this practice as extremely dangerous.
Overcrowding in School Vehicles Prohibited
The department has also directed transport providers to follow vehicle passenger limits. School vans must carry students only within their approved seating capacity.
Overcrowding will not be allowed under the new instructions. Several vehicles were reportedly operating with more passengers than their permitted capacity.
The Directorate has asked school administrations to monitor transport arrangements carefully. They must ensure that drivers and transport operators follow all relevant safety requirements.
Fitness Certificates Made Mandatory
All school vans must have valid fitness certificates issued by the Transport Department. The Directorate has made obtaining and maintaining these certificates compulsory.
School administrations must verify that their transport vehicles meet the required standards. Vehicles without valid fitness certificates should not be used to transport students.
The instructions also prohibit students from travelling in unsafe positions. Schools must ensure that children do not stand on vehicle footboards or hang from doors.
Students must remain seated safely inside vehicles during their journeys. Transport providers are also required to follow applicable laws, safety regulations, and security standards.
Schools Warned of Legal Action
The Directorate has warned private school administrations against ignoring the instructions. It stated that violations could lead to action against the schools.
Administrators may also be held legally responsible for failures involving student transport safety. The department expects schools to ensure that all transport providers follow the new requirements.
The latest instructions place responsibility on Karachi schools to review their transport arrangements. Schools must address unsafe vehicles, overcrowding, and missing fitness certificates.
The measures are intended to reduce risks during daily student journeys. Strict implementation will be necessary to protect children travelling to and from school.
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