Peshawar attack: 'MHA safety guidelines to schools necessary', says expert

In the wake of the recent terror attack in a school in Peshawar, security expert Qamar Agha on Saturday said that the safety guidelines issued by the Union Home Ministry to schools was necessary as they are not safe anymore.

"These are the steps the government is taking to prevent such type of attacks. I think these are the directives issued by the Home Ministry. Normally, they issue such directives. And, there is a need because you and these schools are not safe," said Agha.

"There are hundreds of schools in Kashmir that have been burned down these people as they are opposed to modern education," he added.

According to reports, the MHA has issued fresh Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) advisory such as concrete boundary walls with at least three to four gates and three telephone lines at the main gate.

As per the SOP, the telephone number of nearest police station and PCR van should be displayed prominently in schools.

The guideline also lays emphasize on the CCTV cameras and alarm system.

The fresh set of guidelines comes after the members of the banned terrorist outfit Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), earlier on Tuesday, attacked the Army Public School in Peshawar.

According to reports, the terrorists stormed the Peshawar school dressed as Frontier Corps' officers.

One of the militants reportedly blew himself up, while the others were gunned down by security agencies. Hundreds of people were taken hostage within the school premises before the terrorists were eliminated.

After the incident, Saeed reportedly blamed India for the attacks and has allegedly vowed revenge, claiming the strikes were a conspiracy against Pakistan.