Punjab Schools Required to Re-Register by LHC Mandate
The Lahore High Court (LHC) has directed all schools across Punjab to complete re-registration within a month, emphasizing stricter safety regulations, particularly for student transportation.
During a court hearing on Monday, the LHC expressed dissatisfaction with the Schools Education Department for renewing registrations without enforcing its earlier mandate: schools without proper bus systems would not be allowed registration. The court has now set a 15-day deadline for drafting comprehensive safety rules for school transport.
Education officials, including Secretary Schools Khalid Nazir Wattoo and CEO Schools Education Nazir Hussain, faced contempt notices for failing to implement the court’s previous orders. They have been summoned to provide detailed explanations for their negligence.
To address the situation, Secretary Schools Khalid Nazir Wattoo has called a meeting with representatives from major private school chains on December 31. He clarified that registrations will only be granted to schools that commit to providing their own transport facilities.
The decision has drawn strong reactions from private school owners, who argue they lack the resources to purchase buses. Nearly 95% of private schools, they say, cannot afford the required vehicles. They believe that public transportation is a government responsibility and have called for a review of the court’s decision.
Private school representatives stress the importance of a fair and inclusive consultation process. They argue that any transport reforms should focus on improving public systems instead of burdening private institutions, many of which are already struggling with limited resources.
The LHC’s ruling underscores the importance of student safety, particularly in transportation, and serves as a warning to education authorities to comply with these measures to avoid further legal consequences.
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