PESHAWAR – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has announced financial assistance of Rs1 million each for the families of children who lost their lives in the tragic school roof collapse in Dir Colony, Peshawar, and Rs300,000 each for the injured.
Speaking to the media after offering condolences and reciting Fateha for the deceased, the governor described the incident as an extremely heartbreaking tragedy, saying that although he had witnessed many tragedies in his life, the loss of innocent children was particularly painful.
He said no financial compensation could replace a child or ease the grief of bereaved parents, adding that the government would take steps to ensure accountability for the incident.
Governor Kundi said details regarding the school’s land agreement and lease had been provided, but the issuance of no objection certificates (NOCs) to public and private schools required thorough scrutiny.He stressed the need to determine the responsibility of officials who had issued the relevant approvals.
He said the concerned adviser and department had been directed to identify those responsible and submit a report within 15 days.Action against those found responsible would be expedited, he added.
The governor further stated that an audit of public and private schools was being conducted.He noted that the school involved in the incident also had an NOC, which required proper verification to establish whether the relevant legal and safety requirements had been fulfilled.
Referring to the regulatory framework for private educational institutions, Kundi said a law governing private schools had been enacted in 2017.
He confirmed that the school owner had been arrested and said action would also be taken against other individuals found to be involved in the incident.
The governor stressed that those responsible for endangering children’s lives could not be granted any concession, particularly at a time when the country was already fighting a war against terrorism.
Kundi also announced that allegations of corruption during the previous provincial government’s tenure would be investigated.He said any official against whom credible evidence emerged would face action in accordance with the law.
He emphasised that responsibility must be established through a transparent investigation and that those found negligent or involved in wrongdoing should be held accountable.
