KARACHI: The Sindh School Education and Literacy Department has directed all privately managed schools in the province to immediately implement comprehensive fire safety measures.

The directive, issued by the Additional Director Registration here on August 26, says, “In view of the recent fire incidents and in order to prevent any untoward occurrence, it is hereby made mandatory for all privately managed schools to adopt and strictly implement comprehensive fire safety protocols with immediate effect, in the larger interest of the safety, security, and well-being of students, teachers, and staff.”

It makes it mandatory for schools to ensure that fire alarms, smoke detectors and appropriate fire extinguishers are installed and fully functional on every floor and at critical locations. Schools have also been directed to keep emergency exits, staircases and escape routes unlocked, clearly marked, adequately illuminated and free of obstructions to facilitate rapid evacuation during an emergency.

As per the directive, electrical wiring, switchboards, laboratories, kitchens, generator rooms and other high-risk areas must undergo periodic inspection and preventive maintenance by qualified professionals.

Moreover, the schools have been asked to “prominently display updated fire evacuation plans, floor maps and emergency instructions” in classrooms, corridors, stairwells and other common areas.

The department has also directed schools to conduct fire evacuation drills at least twice during every academic year and maintain records of the drills, including observations and corrective measures, for inspection. Teaching and non-teaching staff must also receive regular training in fire emergency response, evacuation procedures and basic first aid, it said.

The directive called for special arrangements to ensure the safe evacuation of students with disabilities, preschool children and other vulnerable groups. Each school must designate a clearly identified assembly point outside its building and immediately verify attendance following an evacuation to ensure that all students and staff have been accounted for.

The department also prohibited re-entry into school premises during emergencies until clearance was granted by the relevant emergency or regulatory authorities.

“All schools must strictly comply with applicable fire safety laws and building regulations and maintain valid safety certificates and inspection records for verification,” says the directive.

The directive was circulated among relevant officials with instructions to ensure its implementation “in letter and spirit”. It warned that non-compliance would be viewed seriously and action would be initiated against the concerned school.

Published in Dawn, August 28th, 2026