Lahore tragedy: Maryam Nawaz orders probe after Kahna roof collapse kills 14

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive safety review of all educational buildings across the province following the deadly roof collapse in Kahna that claimed 14 lives.

She also ordered a detailed inquiry into the tuition centre tragedy to prevent such incidents in the future, stressing that a strict accountability mechanism will be enforced against negligence.

Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Maryam Nawaz described the roof collapse of the tuition centre as a heartbreaking tragedy. She extended condolences to the bereaved families and said she fully understands the pain of parents, adding that words are not enough to express the grief caused by the incident.

The Chief Minister said rescue and relief operations were launched immediately after the incident was reported. She confirmed that 20 children were safely rescued during the operation.

Terming the loss of young lives as extremely tragic and irreparable, she said those responsible will be brought to justice without any leniency. She also ordered a full, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Interior Department has submitted an initial report stating that the incident occurred due to the poor condition of the building and alleged negligence by the owner. Several children, including the owner’s daughter, were among the deceased. The owner and some workers have been detained for questioning, while investigators have found no evidence of intentional harm so far.

The Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider also expressed grief over the incident, offering condolences to the affected families and calling for improved safety standards in educational institutions, warning that unsafe buildings put children’s lives at serious risk.