Peshawar, Pakistan, 15 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – At least 35 people, including dozens of children and a female teacher, have died in a Pakistan school roof collapse in Peshawar, northwestern Pakistan. The disaster struck the privately operated Al-Khair Education Center during morning classes on Thursday, leaving numerous pupils injured and prompting an emergency rescue operation, a police investigation and renewed concerns about school building safety.
Peshawar School Disaster Leaves Children Trapped Under Rubble
The collapse occurred in a densely populated neighbourhood of Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
According to the Associated Press, at least 34 children and one teacher were killed, while more than 50 people sustained injuries. Several victims were reported to be in critical condition.
Rescue officials said the roof of an upper floor gave way, causing sections of the structure below to collapse onto classrooms occupied by pupils.
Emergency responders and local residents worked together to remove debris and recover trapped children. Narrow surrounding streets complicated access for rescue vehicles and heavy equipment.
Police Arrest School Owner Over Building Safety Concerns
Peshawar police confirmed that the owner of the private school had been arrested following the incident.
Police chief Mian Saeed identified structural weakness and excessive weight from construction above the classrooms as factors suspected of contributing to the collapse.
An official investigation has been ordered to establish the precise cause and determine whether building safety requirements were breached.
The owner’s arrest does not establish criminal liability, and investigators have yet to announce their final findings.
Pakistan Government Orders Investigation Into Tragedy
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences to the bereaved families following the disaster.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also addressed the tragedy, describing the protection of children as a national responsibility.
In a statement reported by Al Jazeera, Dar said:
“Our children are our most precious asset, and every such loss is a tragedy for the entire country.”
Authorities directed emergency services to assist victims and ensure injured pupils received medical attention.
School Building Safety Faces Renewed Scrutiny
The Pakistan school roof collapse has highlighted longstanding concerns about construction standards and regulatory oversight of educational buildings.
Some privately operated schools in Pakistan occupy converted residential properties, where structural modifications and maintenance may present additional safety challenges.
The Peshawar disaster follows another deadly incident in Lahore in June 2026, when 14 children died after a private tuition centre’s roof collapsed, according to Anadolu Agency.
These incidents have raised questions about inspections, construction materials and the enforcement of safety regulations.
What Happens Next After the Peshawar Tragedy?
Authorities are investigating the building’s structural condition and the circumstances surrounding its collapse.
The inquiry is expected to examine whether construction work, excessive structural loads or failures in safety oversight contributed to the disaster.
Further legal action will depend on the evidence collected by investigators.
Meanwhile, hospitals continue caring for injured survivors as families mourn those killed.
The tragedy has placed renewed attention on the responsibility of school operators and public authorities to ensure children can attend classes in safe buildings.
