The Sindh Education Department has issued a sweeping set of fire safety guidelines for all private schools in the province, a direct response to the catastrophic Gul Plaza fire that claimed over 70 lives in Karachi earlier this month.
Immediate Implementation Ordered
In a notification issued Tuesday, the School Education Department directed the immediate implementation of the new safety protocol across all private educational institutions. The directive comes less than two weeks after a massive nighttime blaze gutted the landmark Gul Plaza shopping complex on January 17.
Key Safety Requirements
The comprehensive guidelines make several critical measures mandatory for school administrations:
- Installation of fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers.
- Keeping all emergency exits and staircases unobstructed and clearly marked.
- Regular, obligatory inspection of electrical systems.
- Display of emergency evacuation plans in prominent locations.
- Conducting fire drills at least twice a year.
- Mandatory fire safety training for all teachers and staff.
Protecting Vulnerable Students
The department has also mandated special safety arrangements for students with special needs and requires every school to designate a specific assembly point for emergencies. The notification warns that strict action will be taken against any school failing to comply with the new instructions.
A Tragedy That Sparked Action
The new regulations are a direct consequence of the Gul Plaza disaster, which reduced the multi-storey complex—home to 1,200 family-run shops—to ashes. Recovery operations are ongoing, with the death toll expected to rise. The tragedy has prompted urgent reviews of public safety standards across Sindh, with schools being a primary focus due to the high concentration of children in such institutions.
