Web Desk: An inquiry into the collapse of a private school in Peshawar’s Dir Colony has blamed the school owner for using substandard construction materials and also pointed to negligence by relevant government departments, officials said.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi reviewed the findings on Wednesday during a meeting on the incident, attended by Education Adviser Amir Abdullah, Chief Secretary Dr Fakhar Alam Irfan, Education Secretary Inayatullah Wasim and members of the inquiry committee.
The inquiry committee presented its report to Faisal Karim, outlining the causes of the school collapse, statements recorded from relevant officials, departmental responsibilities, and the committee’s findings and recommendations.
According to the report, the use of poor-quality construction material in the school building was a key factor, with the school owner held responsible for the construction deficiencies.
The report also highlighted negligence by officials and departments responsible for overseeing relevant matters, although the details of individual responsibility were not immediately disclosed.
Faisal Karim directed officials to consult the provincial Law Department to examine the legal aspects of the inquiry report before further action is taken.
He also called for strict action against those found responsible for the school collapse.
The governor said accountability should be pursued on the basis of the inquiry findings, while ensuring that the legal process was properly followed.
The Dir Colony school building collapsed earlier this month, killing 22 people, including 21 children and a female teacher, and injuring dozens of others. The incident prompted calls for accountability and a review of the safety of school buildings across the province.
