At least 35 people have died after the roof of a school in Peshawar collapsed, and dozens more are being treated in hospitals. Several of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
Students have described the building’s condition before the disaster. One said rainwater regularly dripped through the roof during rain, and another confirmed the leak. One girl said she had left her classroom to fetch a pen when the roof came down, and that Miss Samreen, who was in the nursery class, was killed.
School owner blames rainfall and denies poor materials
Arrested school owner Khan Muhammad described the incident as a natural disaster caused by rainfall. He said the building was new, constructed only a year and a half ago, and that surveys and inspections had been carried out. He denied that substandard materials were used and said his own children studied at the school.
Association points to regulator over school oversight
Private School Association leader Inamullah Khan said the school was registered with the association, but its role was limited to granting membership. He said monitoring schools and ensuring proper checks were the responsibility of the Private Schools Regulatory Authority.
Inamullah Khan said the association had no knowledge that the building was in poor condition. He held the school principal and the regulatory authority responsible, alleging the authority had failed to inspect the building. He also claimed that permission to construct a three-storey school was not allowed in the area.
