The Sindh Education Department has issued strict safety directives to all private schools across the province, prohibiting the use of gas cylinders and other unsafe practices in vehicles used to transport students. Acting on the explicit instructions of the provincial education minister, the department has officially banned the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders in all vehicles utilized for student transportation, whether these vans are arranged directly by the schools or by parents.
Furthermore, the department has strictly prohibited the dangerous practice of supplying petrol directly to vehicle engines through bottles, cans, or other makeshift containers instead of utilizing designated fuel tanks. Officials have warned that this practice poses severe safety risks, including the potential for fires and explosions, which could endanger the lives of children.
Under the new directives, school vans are strictly forbidden from carrying students beyond their authorized seating capacity. The safety guidelines also address behavioral risks during transit.
Students are explicitly prohibited from traveling while standing on footboards, hanging from the sides of vehicles, or occupying other unsafe positions that could lead to accidents. To ensure accountability, all vehicles used for student transportation must possess valid fitness certificates issued by the Sindh Transport Department.
A copy of this certificate must be kept inside each vehicle at all times for inspection by traffic authorities. The department has directed the administrations of all private educational institutions to ensure strict compliance with these safety requirements and all relevant provincial laws.
The notification emphasizes that the safety of students is a top priority for the provincial government and cannot be compromised under any circumstances. It warned that any violations or negligence regarding these safety protocols would be viewed with extreme seriousness.
In the event of non-compliance, the concerned school administrations will face immediate disciplinary action under the applicable rules and regulations. The Sindh Education Department has also requested parents to remain vigilant and report any instances where school transport providers are found violating these safety standards.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the provincial government to minimize road accidents involving school-going children and to enforce a culture of safety within the educational transport sector.