PESHAWAR: The private school in Dir Colony, where a devastating roof collapse claimed the lives of at least 30 children and two female teachers, was registered in March 2026, Managing Director of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Private Schools Regulatory Authority (KP-PSRA) Javed Iqbal said on Thursday.
Several other people were injured in the incident, with some reportedly remaining in critical condition.
Speaking about the ongoing investigation, Iqbal said officials had found that technical personnel were not present during the school’s inspection. He emphasised that technical experts must participate in inspections to assess the condition and safety of school buildings.
According to the KP-PSRA chief, inspections involve checking the number of classrooms, the strength of foundations and the overall structural condition of a building.
He explained that during the registration process, classrooms and other facilities were examined, while construction experts were expected to evaluate the structure and submit their findings.
Iqbal also said the authority lacked the power to shut down unregistered schools under the existing arrangements.
Expressing sorrow over the tragedy, he said such incidents were unacceptable and assured that those found responsible for negligence would face action. However, he stressed that responsibility for the collapse would be determined after the investigation was completed.
Meanwhile, Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) confirmed that the school owner had been arrested. He said the institution was operating under the name of an educational trust.
The CCPO added that the school building had been poorly constructed, which contributed to the disaster.
Rescue teams continue to face significant challenges at the site because of the damaged building’s unstable structure and the narrow streets in the surrounding area.
A Rescue service spokesperson said heavy machinery was being avoided due to concerns that further pressure could cause the weakened structure to collapse. Limited access through the narrow streets has also hampered efforts to bring large equipment close to the site.
