LAHORE: The Punjab Higher Education Department has directed all public and private sector universities and institutes in the province to immediately implement strict security measures in view of prevailing security concerns.
The instructions have been issued to all vice chancellors and rectors, declaring the matter as “most urgent” and stressing zero tolerance for negligence.
According to the official letter, a copy of which is available with Daily Jang, the competent authority has decided to revisit and strictly enforce Standard Operating Procedures across campuses. Universities have been ordered to control entry and exit through a single main gate, deploy trained security guards, verify visitors through CNIC checks, issue visitor passes and ensure thorough checking of bags, parcels and vehicles. Students and staff have been instructed to carry and display identity cards at all times, while vehicle entry will be limited to authorised persons only.
The department has also ordered universities to strengthen perimeter security by maintaining boundary walls of at least eight feet, installing razor wire, ensuring proper lighting and covering vulnerable points with CCTV cameras.
Regular patrolling, locking of unused buildings and removal of potential security risks near walls have also been made mandatory.
Universities have been told to install and maintain CCTV surveillance at all strategic locations with 24-hour monitoring and backup power. Footage must be preserved for at least 30 days and monitored by designated staff. Any malfunction is to be reported and repaired immediately.
The letter further directs institutions to deploy an adequate number of trained and vetted security personnel, ensure round-the-clock coverage including holidays, maintain logbooks and coordinate closely with local police. Security staff must be trained in emergency response and are barred from leaving their posts during duty hours.
Clear instructions have been issued for emergency preparedness, including formation of university security committees, evacuation plans, fire drills, installation of fire safety equipment and display of emergency contact numbers. Parking management, vehicle checks, speed control and restrictions on outsider vehicles have also been strictly ordered.
Special security arrangements have been made mandatory for events, examinations and large gatherings, with advance checks, screening of participants and coordination with law enforcement agencies. Universities have also been instructed to establish clear mechanisms for reporting suspicious activities and to immediately inform police of any threat without touching suspicious objects.
The department has emphasized student and staff safety through identity cards, updated records, escort arrangements for female students, anti-harassment measures and supervision during academic activities. Vice chancellors have been made personally responsible for full implementation of these instructions.
Universities must submit a compliance report within seven days along with photographs of security arrangements. Daily security audit reports are to be submitted initially, followed by monthly reports by the fifth of each month. Officers of the Higher Education Department will conduct surprise inspections, and any violation or lapse may lead to disciplinary action.
The department said the measures have been issued in the larger interest of protecting students, staff and university property, and strict compliance is expected from all concerned.
