Key Takeaways
- KP government accused of weakening private school regulations.
- Amendment to law removed provision for closing schools over violations.
- Allegations linked to political leaders and their educational institutions.
The former PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has faced accusations of weakening private school regulations, which have been linked to the collapse of a school roof in Peshawar, resulting in the deaths of 30 children and a teacher, and injuring 52 others.
According to a report citing unnamed sources, Section 22(4) of the provincial private schools regulatory law, issued on June 9, 2017, empowered authorities to close or seal schools over violations, including operating without registration. However, an amendment on June 23, 2017, removed this provision, limiting actions to fines only.
Sources alleged that the change was made at the request of then-assembly speaker Asad Qaiser and other leaders with private educational institutions, benefiting businesses associated with Qaiser, Mushtaq Ghani, and others.
The allegations emerged following the tragic collapse of Al-Khair Education Center in Peshawar’s Dir Colony on October 15. The school owner, Khan Muhammad, was arrested over alleged construction defects. He blamed rainfall, while education officials described the building as dilapidated.
A provincial inquiry is currently examining the collapse, and authorities have announced inspections of public and private schools across KP. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of educational institutions in the province.
The government has not commented on the specific allegations, but has stated that it is committed to ensuring the safety of students and schools. The inquiry is expected to provide more clarity on the circumstances surrounding the collapse.
In the wake of the incident, the government has announced a series of measures to improve school safety, including increased inspections and the implementation of stricter building codes. The aim is to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The incident has highlighted the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure the safety of students in KP’s educational institutions. The government is under pressure to address these concerns and restore public trust.
