PESHAWAR (Kashmir English): The deadly roof collapse at a private school in Peshawar has raised questions about the building’s safety and the management of the premises, amid the owner’s political affiliations with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the school’s reported use for political activities.
The school, located on College Road in the Dir Colony area of Peshawar, was reportedly owned by Muhammad Khan, who has been described as a longstanding affiliate of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Claims have also emerged that the premises were used to host a local PTI meeting in preparation for a long march.
According to the details, the premises operated as a private school during the day and a madrassa in the evening, serving families from lower- and lower-middle-income backgrounds.
Questions have consequently arisen regarding the management of the institution, its operating arrangements and whether adequate attention was given to the safety and maintenance of the building.
The roof collapse resulted in the deaths of 17 children and a female teacher, according to figures previously reported by Lady Reading Hospital. At least 40 injured children were also reported to be receiving medical treatment, with some in critical condition.
Rescue 1122 teams launched an operation to clear the rubble and search for anyone who might still be trapped. The incident has renewed calls for a thorough investigation into the structural condition of the building and the enforcement of safety standards at private educational institutions.
The reported political links of the owner and the alleged use of the premises for a PTI meeting have also drawn attention. However, these claims do not by themselves establish responsibility for the collapse. Investigators will need to determine the cause of the structural failure, examine inspection and maintenance records, and establish whether any regulatory or safety requirements were violated.
Authorities should also clarify whether the building had the necessary approvals for its educational use and whether its structure had been inspected before the tragedy.
The immediate priority remains the treatment of injured children and support for affected families, while a transparent investigation is needed to establish the facts and identify any individuals or institutions responsible for safety failures.
