PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has announced financial assistance of Rs1 million each for the families of children killed in the Dir Colony school tragedy and Rs300,000 for each injured victim, while ordering an inquiry into the officials responsible for issuing school-related no-objection certificates (NOCs).
Speaking to the media after offering condolences and reciting Fateha for the victims in Peshawar’s Dir Colony, Kundi said the families of the deceased children would receive Rs1 million each, while those injured would be given Rs300,000 each.
He said details of the school’s land agreement and lease had been provided, but stressed that the responsibilities of officials who issued NOCs to public and private schools must also be established.
The governor said he had directed the relevant adviser and department to determine responsibility and submit a report within 15 days. He added that action would be taken against those found responsible and that the process of accountability would be accelerated.
School approvals and safety under scrutiny
Kundi said authorities were auditing public and private schools following the incident. He noted that the school had an NOC, but said the document and its issuance required proper scrutiny.
He also referred to the law governing private schools, which he said was enacted in 2017, and stressed the need to establish whether the relevant requirements had been met.
The governor confirmed that the school owner had been arrested and said action would also be taken against other individuals found involved in the incident.
“We are fighting a war against terrorism, but those who put children’s lives at risk also deserve no leniency,” Kundi said, underscoring the need to hold those responsible accountable.
Probe into alleged corruption
The governor also announced that allegations of corruption during the previous provincial government’s tenure would be investigated in connection with the broader accountability process.
He said any official against whom solid evidence emerged would face action in accordance with the law.
The announced compensation, 15-day inquiry deadline and review of school approvals mark the immediate steps outlined by the governor following the tragedy. However, the findings of the inquiry will be needed to establish responsibility for the incident and determine whether any officials or other individuals violated the law.
