KARACHI: In the wake of the deadly Gul Plaza tragedy, the Sindh Education Department has issued comprehensive fire safety guidelines for private schools across the province.
According to a notification issued on Tuesday, all private educational institutions have been directed to immediately implement the newly announced safety measures.
Under the guidelines, schools are required to install fire alarms, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on their premises. Institutions have also been instructed to ensure that emergency exits and staircases remain open, unobstructed and clearly marked at all times.
The notification further mandates regular inspection of electrical systems to minimise fire hazards. Schools must also display emergency evacuation plans at prominent and easily visible locations.
As part of the new safety framework, schools are now required to conduct fire drills at least twice a year. Fire safety training for teachers and non-teaching staff has also been made compulsory.
Special safety arrangements for students with special needs have been ordered, while schools have been directed to designate a specific assembly point to be used in case of an emergency.
The Sindh Education Department warned that strict action would be taken against institutions failing to comply with the directives.
The move follows a massive fire that broke out at Gul Plaza on the night of January 17, reducing the multi-storey shopping complex — home to around 1,200 family-run shops selling garments, toys, crockery and household goods — to ashes. More than 70 bodies have been recovered so far, while search operations continue to locate additional victims.
