Kundi wants school safety rules tightened

Governor orders inspections, penalties for violations

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has ordered action against those responsible for the collapse of a school roof in Dir Colony, calling for strict enforcement of safety standards and registration requirements for private educational institutions across the province.

A meeting chaired by the governor reviewed the incident and related administrative matters. Adviser to the Education Department Amir Abdullah, Peshawar Commissioner Capt (retd) Khalid Mahmood, Deputy Commissioner Afaq Wazir and relevant education officials attended the meeting.

During the briefing, the Peshawar commissioner informed the governor that the school owner had obtained 16 marlas of land on a 10-year lease and constructed the school building on it. The school was registered in 2026, but its administration had failed to comply with the prescribed standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Governor Kundi stressed the need to identify and inspect buildings constructed without approved maps. He said tehsil municipal administrations (TMAs) could play an effective role in inspecting buildings across the city and ensuring compliance with construction regulations.

He directed all relevant departments to fulfil their responsibilities effectively and ensure that safety standards were strictly followed in the establishment of private schools and construction of their buildings.

The governor called for strict implementation of regulations governing the registration and safety arrangements of private educational institutions. He also directed the authorities to take action against schools operating without registration certificates and establish appropriate penalties for violations.

Kundi stressed the need for effective legislation to regulate private schools and ensure compliance with safety standards and prescribed procedures. He directed the relevant authorities to prepare new legislation and submit a report within 15 days.

He further called for transparency and effective monitoring of the administrative affairs of private educational institutions, urging authorities to adopt best practices in their management.

The governor reiterated that those found responsible for the Dir Colony school roof collapse would face action, underscoring the need for stronger oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.