LAHORE – The Lahore District Education Authority (DEA) has recommended the sealing of 213 private schools operating without registration as part of an ongoing campaign to enforce education regulations and improve safety standards across the city after Kahna tragedy.
The official sources said that Lahore District Education Authority (DEA) has submitted a summary to the district administration seeking approval to take action against the identified unregistered schools. Once the proposal is approved, the district administration will begin sealing the schools under the relevant legal provisions.
The latest move follows an earlier phase of the enforcement campaign in which 30 unregistered private schools were sealed for violating regulatory requirements.
Lahore Education Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tariq Mahmood said the campaign was being carried out in line with government directives and without discrimination. He said the objective was to ensure that all private schools operate within the legal framework and comply with provincial education laws.
Officials from the Punjab School Education Department said final warning notices had already been issued to 744 private schools, directing them to complete the registration process within the stipulated timeframe. Schools that continue to operate without registration will face strict legal action, including the sealing of their premises.
Education authorities said registration is mandatory for all private educational institutions in Punjab, enabling regulators to verify compliance with standards related to infrastructure, classroom facilities, sanitation, fire safety, qualified teaching staff, management practices and student welfare.
The officials added that the registration process also helps maintain an updated record of educational institutions and ensures adherence to government policies through regular inspections.
The authorities expressed concern that unregistered schools often operate without adequate oversight, making it difficult to ensure safe learning environments and compliance with minimum operational standards. Some institutions have reportedly been functioning in unsuitable or structurally unsafe buildings.
The ongoing enforcement campaign was launched following recent concerns over the safety of educational facilities. Officials said stricter implementation of registration requirements would help identify schools operating in hazardous conditions, reduce risks to students and staff, and strengthen accountability within the private education sector.
The education authority maintained that registration is a key mechanism for ensuring quality education, protecting students and bringing all private schools under a regular monitoring system.
