APPSMA seeks advance notice and more time for school safety inspections

RAWALPINDI, Oct 18 (APP):All Pakistan Private Schools Management Association (APPSMA) has urged the Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi to revise the schedule for safety inspections of private educational institutions, provide adequate time and prior notice, and include representatives of private schools in the inspection committees.

The demand was made by Central Senior Vice President Muhammad Furqan Chaudhry, President North Punjab Abrar Ahmad Khan, Vice President North Punjab Colonel Fawad Hanif, Divisional President Rawalpindi Abrar Ahmad Advocate,Divisional Secretary General Amir Anwar, Divisional President Women’s Wing Sakina Taj, Secretary General Dr. Maimoona, District President Rawalpindi Agha Shahab Maqsood, District Secretary General Naeem Akbar, Tehsil President Rawalpindi Adnan Nisar, and Tehsil Secretary General Raja Nauman Qamar, who expressed concerns over the notification issued by the district administration.

The leaders said the safety and security of students was their top priority, and they supported safety inspections. However, the process should be transparent, systematic and aligned with ground realities. Inspections conducted without prior notice or on very short notice create administrative difficulties, as technical assessments, consultations with experts, procurement of necessary equipment and building-related arrangements require adequate time. They added that inspection teams include officials from the District Education Authority, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence and relevant local government departments. Therefore, educational institutions should be informed in advance about the required safety measures, documentation and inspection procedures. The leaders reaffirmed that private educational institutions were committed to providing a safe learning environment in accordance with the law and were ready to cooperate with the  administration. They stressed that safety inspections should serve as a means of guidance, improvement and strengthening safety arrangements rather than merely a formal exercise.