APP
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Engineer Amir Muqam on Friday announced doubling the compensation for families of children killed in the Dir Colony school building collapse and pledged to build a government school in the area. During a visit to the accident site, the minister expressed condolences to the bereaved families on his own behalf and on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif. He also offered Fateha for the victims.
Talking to the media, Amir Muqam called for a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the collapse and identify those responsible for allowing the construction of the building.
He said the prime minister had ordered an inquiry and stressed that investigators should complete the process promptly and take action against those found responsible.
The minister said the compensation announced by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor would be doubled to provide greater financial support to the affected families. He said residents had also drawn his attention to the lack of a government school in the area. In response, he announced the construction of a government school in Dir Colony.
Amir Muqam assured residents that the relevant authorities would also work to resolve other local issues and address their longstanding concerns.
Meanwhile, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Friday directed the authorities 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 here in Dir Colony.
He was chairing a meeting at the Governor House. The Governor was briefed by Peshawar Commissioner Captain (R) Khalid Mahmood on the incident and the related administrative matters. Adviser for Education Amir Abdullah, Deputy Commissioner Afaq Wazir and senior officials of the Education Department attended the meeting.
The meeting was informed 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).
Expressing deep grief over the tragedy, Governor Kundi termed the incident highly unfortunate and stressed the need to identify and inspect buildings constructed without approved building plans. He said the Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs) could play an effective role in inspecting buildings across the city.
The Governor directed the authorities to ensure strict implementation of SoPs for the establishment of private schools and construction of their buildings. He said all relevant institutions must perform their responsibilities effectively and those responsible for the incident would be proceeded against.
He also directed for strict enforcement of rules governing registration and safety measures for private schools, besides taking action against institutions operating without registration certificates and prescribing appropriate penalties.
Governor Kundi further ordered for formulation of effective legislation to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory procedures in educational institutions, directing the authorities 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.