PESHWAR (Kashmir English): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has ordered a detailed investigation into the roof collapse at a private school in Dir Colony, Peshawar, directing the relevant authorities to identify those responsible and submit a report within 15 days.
Speaking to the media after visiting the affected families and offering Fateha for the deceased, the governor announced financial assistance of Rs1 million for the family of each child who lost their life and Rs300,000 for each injured child.
Faisal Karim Kundi said details concerning the land agreement and lease of the school premises had been provided. He stressed that the role of officials who issued the school’s No Objection Certificate (NOC), whether from public or private departments, must be thoroughly examined.
The governor directed the relevant adviser and department to determine responsibility and complete the inquiry within the stipulated period. He vowed that those found responsible would face legal action and that accountability would be expedited.
He confirmed that an audit of public and private schools was underway and said the NOC held by the school involved in the incident required detailed scrutiny.
Referring to the legislation governing private schools, the governor noted that the relevant law was enacted in 2017. He also confirmed that the school owner had been arrested, adding that action would be taken against other individuals found involved in the tragedy.
Emphasizing the importance of children’s safety, Faisal Karim Kundi said there should be no leniency for those who put children’s lives at risk. He stressed that while the province was confronting terrorism, negligence that endangered the lives of children also demanded serious accountability.
The governor further stated that allegations of corruption during the previous provincial government’s tenure would also be investigated. He said legal action would be initiated against any official if concrete evidence of wrongdoing emerged.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of educational institutions, building inspections and the procedures through which schools receive official approvals. The inquiry is expected to examine the school’s documentation and establish responsibility for the deadly roof collapse.
