Web Desk: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has announced financial assistance for the families of children killed and injured in a recent incident, while ordering an investigation into the responsibilities of officials who approved the school’s operations.
Speaking to the media after offering condolences and reciting prayers for the deceased in Dir Colony, Kundi said the families of each child killed would receive Rs1 million, while each injured child would be given Rs300,000.
He also called for accountability among officials responsible for issuing no-objection certificates (NOCs) to public and private schools, saying the authorities must establish whether the relevant approvals were properly granted.
Kundi said officials had provided details about the school’s land agreement and lease arrangements. However, he stressed that the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the school’s NOC required further scrutiny.
The governor said he had directed the relevant adviser and department to identify those responsible and submit a report within 15 days.
He added that the administration would accelerate disciplinary and legal proceedings against anyone found responsible, emphasising that accountability must extend beyond the school’s management to any officials whose actions or negligence contributed to the incident.
Kundi confirmed that authorities had arrested the school owner and said further action would be taken against other individuals found to be involved.
He also announced that authorities were auditing public and private schools to examine their regulatory compliance and administrative arrangements.
Referring to the legal framework governing private educational institutions, the governor said legislation regulating private schools had been introduced in 2017. He stressed that the existence of an NOC for the school involved did not remove the need to verify its validity and compliance with applicable requirements.
Kundi said the authorities must pursue those responsible for endangering children’s lives, adding that the fight against terrorism did not diminish the need to address negligence and wrongdoing in other areas.
He said anyone found to have played a role in the incident would face action in accordance with the law.
The governor also pledged to investigate allegations of corruption during the previous provincial government’s tenure. He said proceedings would be initiated against any official if credible evidence of wrongdoing emerged.
The investigations, he added, should establish responsibility on the basis of evidence and ensure that those found culpable face the appropriate legal consequences.
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