KP Government Mandates Fitness Certificates for Private School Buses to Ensure Student Safety

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has issued a directive requiring all private school buses to obtain fitness certificates to ensure the safety of children. According to the Transport Department of KP, it is now mandatory for all private schools to secure valid fitness certificates for their student transport vehicles. Any school bus operating without a proper certificate will face suspension of its registration, as unfit buses pose serious risks to students and contribute to traffic congestion and poor road management. Schools have been instructed to comply immediately to safeguard children and maintain smooth traffic operations.

Earlier this year, the Lahore High Court (LHC) had ordered all schools to provide transportation for students and implement a fitness policy for vehicles within 15 days to help reduce smog. Dense smog, caused by toxic pollutants, has recently affected several cities in Punjab, with Lahore and Multan being the hardest hit. Justice Shahid Karim, presiding over the case, heard a petition filed by citizen Haroon Farooq and other residents and directed that schools must provide pick-up and drop-off services for all students once winter vacations conclude. The court warned that any institution failing to comply with these orders could face closure.

This latest directive from KP reinforces the focus on student safety, proper vehicle maintenance, and responsible management of school transportation, reflecting broader efforts to improve road safety and traffic conditions in the province.