MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Iftikhar Gilani has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic collapse of a private school’s roof in Peshawar, which claimed the lives of 17 children and a female teacher.
In his statement, the AJK prime minister said he was deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic deaths of the innocent children and the teacher.
“I fully share the grief of the bereaved families in this hour of sorrow,” Gilani said, expressing solidarity with those affected by the tragedy.
He prayed that Allah Almighty grant the bereaved families the strength and patience to endure the devastating loss.
The incident occurred at a private school on College Road in the Dir Colony area of Peshawar, where the roof collapsed, trapping children and staff members beneath the debris.
According to Lady Reading Hospital spokesperson Muhammad Asim, 17 children and one female teacher were brought to the hospital dead, bringing the reported death toll to 18. All the children who lost their lives were aged 13 or younger.
At least 40 injured children were also reported to be receiving medical treatment, with some in critical condition. The hospital administration declared an emergency to ensure immediate treatment for the injured.
Following the incident, Rescue 1122 teams launched an emergency operation to clear the rubble and search for anyone who might remain trapped beneath the debris.
The tragedy has raised concerns about the safety of educational buildings and the need for effective structural inspections and enforcement of safety standards to prevent similar incidents.
