PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of safety regulations for private schools and ordered preparation of new legislation within 15 days following the tragic roof collapse at a private school on Thursday.
At least 30 children and a schoolteacher were killed and dozens of others injured when the roof of a multi-storey private school collapsed in Dir Colony, plunging the city into mourning.
The incident occurred at the Al-Khair Education Centre, located off Outer Circular Road. Rescue officials said the roof of an upper floor collapsed, causing the structure to cave in on a classroom below and trapping students beneath the rubble.
On Friday, while chairing a meeting at the governor house, Mr Kundi was briefed by Commissioner Peshawar retired Captain Khalid Mahmood on the incident and the related administrative matters. Education Adviser Amir Abdullah, Deputy Commissioner Afaq Wazir and senior officials of the education department attended the meeting.
The meeting was told that the school owner had obtained a 16-marla plot on a 10-year lease and constructed the building.
It was further informed that the school was registered in 2026, but the management had failed to comply with the prescribed standard operating procedures (SoPs), read an official statement issued from the governor house.
Expressing deep grief over the tragedy, Mr Kundi termed the incident unfortunate and stressed the need to identify and inspect buildings constructed without approved building plans.
He said the Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs) can play an effective role in this regard.
The governor directed strict implementation of SoPs governing the establishment of private schools and the construction of their buildings. He said all relevant institutions must fulfil their responsibilities effectively and that those found responsible for the incident must be proceeded against in accordance with the law.
Mr Kundi further ordered the formulation of effective legislation to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory procedures in educational institutions, directing the departments concerned to submit a report within 15 days.
He also stressed transparency, effective oversight and adoption of best administrative practices in the management of private schools.
Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2026
