KP tightens school building rules after collapse kills 33 children

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made building-plan approval mandatory for all private schools and colleges, the Private Schools Regulatory Authority (PSRA) said in a circular issued on Wednesday.

The order follows an October 15 roof collapse at a Peshawar school that killed 33 children, and warns of legal action against institutions that fail to comply.

What must private schools do to get building-plan approval in KP?

Private schools and colleges must verify their buildings’ approval status and obtain any outstanding permits from the relevant building-control authorities.

The circular says PSRA registration does not equal building-plan approval or structural safety certification. Schools in buildings declared unsafe by competent technical authorities must stay closed until they receive written safety clearance.

Which building changes need prior approval under the circular?

The circular requires prior approval for additional floors, extensions, rooftop cabins, temporary classrooms and other significant structural alterations. Violations could trigger legal action by building-control authorities and separate regulatory measures by the PSRA.

Why has KP tightened school building rules after the Peshawar collapse?

The directive follows the October 15 collapse of the roof at Al-Khair Education System in Peshawar. The collapse killed 33 children and injured 17 others, renewing concerns over the safety of school buildings and oversight of private educational institutions.

In response, provincial Governor Faisal Karim Kundi ordered safety inspections and audits of all public and private schools.

He also directed authorities to draft legislation within 15 days to allow the closure of schools that fail to meet safety standards.