KP bans school building extensions without prior approval

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Private Schools Regulatory Authority has prohibited schools and colleges from expanding their buildings without obtaining prior approval from the relevant authority.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Private Schools Regulatory Authority has prohibited schools and colleges from expanding their buildings without obtaining prior approval from the relevant authority.

The authority has issued a formal notice to educational institutions directing private school owners to immediately verify whether their building plans have been approved and to keep copies of the approved plans and relevant permission documents on their premises.

Under the new instructions schools cannot add extra floors extend existing structures or construct temporary classrooms without prior authorisation. The directive aims to ensure that educational buildings comply with approved plans and applicable safety requirements.

The authority has also clarified that a school’s registration must not be considered proof that its building plan has been approved or that the structure meets safety standards. School owners are therefore required to ensure that they have the necessary documentation separately.

The notice further states that buildings declared unsafe cannot be reopened until written safety clearance has been obtained from the relevant authorities.

Officials have warned that educational institutions failing to comply with the building approval requirements may face action. The instructions place responsibility on school administrations to verify their buildings’ legal approvals and ensure that any proposed construction follows the prescribed procedures.

The directive introduces stricter oversight of private educational buildings across the province particularly regarding structural changes and safety clearances. Schools will need to secure the required permissions before undertaking construction or resuming operations in buildings declared unsafe.