Punjab Announces Mandatory Security Rules for Educational Institutions

Lahore, December 9, 2025 – In a decisive move to strengthen the safety of schoolchildren and staff across the province, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a comprehensive set of mandatory security measures for all educational institutions in Punjab. 

The directives, issued during a high-level meeting with senior law enforcement and education officials, aim to close security gaps and ensure that schools, colleges and universities operate in a secure environment for students, teachers and visitors.

Under the new orders, the installation of digital surveillance cameras outside every school and educational facility in Punjab is now compulsory.

Security guards, strict entry checks, functional CCTV systems and other safety infrastructure will be required to meet newly developed standards designed to reduce risks from unauthorized access and criminal activity. 

Expanded Security Measures for All Schools

The Chief Minister’s announcement makes clear that public and private institutions alike must comply with the updated security protocols without exception. 

As part of these rules, schools must install CCTV cameras that cover all entrances and perimeters, and law enforcement will regularly audit camera functionality and coverage to ensure compliance.

Officials have been instructed to conduct mock security drills in partnership with the Punjab Police and the School Education Department. These exercises are intended to assess readiness for emergencies, strengthen coordination between school staff and security forces, and refine response procedures in case of threats. 

Another notable requirement is rigorous entry screening at all schools. Security personnel will now be responsible for checking every individual entering school premises, including students, staff and visitors. 

This protocol aims to prevent unauthorized or potentially dangerous persons from gaining access to school grounds, particularly during peak hours and large events.

Physical Security Enhancements

Punjab’s updated security framework also emphasizes physical infrastructure improvements. Schools are now required to construct eight-foot-high boundary walls topped with barbed wire to deter unauthorized entry and fortify campus perimeters.

Institutions with inadequate walls or openings vulnerable to intrusion have been given deadlines to complete upgrades. 

In addition to boundary walls, school administrators must ensure that only one main entry and exit point is used during regular academic hours. 

Secondary access points are to be secured or monitored at all times so that guards can better track movement in and out of the campus. 

Registration of Transport Staff

To further tighten security beyond the school gates, the provincial government has ordered the registration of drivers and support staff of buses that travel between Punjab and other provinces. 

This directive aims to reduce risks associated with inter-provincial transport and ensure that all personnel engaging with students are vetted appropriately. 

Punjab Police, the Safe Cities Authority and other law enforcement agencies have been directed to strengthen coordination with the Motorway Police to enhance monitoring and rapid response along major transport routes used by school buses.

Monitoring and Accountability

Safety officials will conduct periodic inspections to verify that schools adhere to new security standards. The Safe Cities Authority has been tasked with reviewing the functionality of surveillance cameras across strategic urban centers, including Lahore and Rawalpindi, and integrating private CCTV networks to extend real-time monitoring capabilities. 

Authorities have also been instructed to examine and, where necessary, enhance digital monitoring in public spaces such as parks, where large gatherings might spill over or involve students before or after school hours. 

School heads and administrators will now face clear accountability for maintaining security protocols and equipment. Any negligence discovered during inspections could lead to administrative sanctions or other consequences under applicable regulations.

Context: Rising Safety Concerns

The new security rules come amid rising public concern about institutional safety following a range of security incidents and threats that have affected educational environments in recent years. 

While the province has not experienced a major attack on schools in 2025, officials say the directives are preventive rather than reactive, acknowledging that proactive measures are essential to protect young learners.

Punjab has seen an increasing emphasis on standardized safety protocols in recent months, with law enforcement authorities raising alerts and conducting combing operations in urban and rural areas alike. 

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has previously ordered joint operations and mock drills with educational institutions to strengthen preparedness, and underlined the importance of CCTV cameras, guards and evacuation arrangements at every school and college entry point. 

Reactions From School Administrators

Reactions from school administrators have been mixed. Many public school principals expressed support, recognizing that enhanced security measures could boost parent confidence and provide peace of mind for students and staff. 

Private school representatives acknowledged the importance of safety but highlighted concerns about the cost of implementing extensive physical and technological upgrades. Some institutions have asked for phased deadlines or government support to meet the new requirements promptly.

Officials from the School Education Department have indicated that compliance timelines will be communicated soon, and that training and support mechanisms may be provided to help schools fulfill the mandates effectively.

Public and Parent Response

Parents across Punjab have broadly welcomed the new security rules. In interviews and social media reactions, many families said they felt reassured by the government’s focus on school safety. 

Some noted that school security is not just about protecting students during class hours, but also about broader risk mitigation in neighborhoods where children travel to and from educational institutions. 

The inclusion of transport staff registration and enhanced perimeter security was highlighted as a positive step in that regard.

Implementation Challenges and Next Steps

As the education sector gears up for implementation, challenges remain. Upgrading infrastructure, installing technology, hiring trained security personnel and adjusting school operations to meet the new standards will require coordination, time and resources.

The provincial government has stated that it will conduct regular reviews to ensure that institutions across Punjab meet the minimum security requirements. It also plans to hold follow-up meetings with education officials to assess progress and address any bottlenecks that schools may face.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has reiterated that making Punjab the safest province is a top priority and that these security measures are a foundational step toward that goal. 

In her address to officials, she emphasized the importance of vigilance, preparedness and accountability in securing children’s environments and nurturing a culture of safety in education. 

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