By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – The Lahore Education Authority has completed its inquiry into the tragic roof collapse at a private tuition centre in Kahna, where 14 children lost their lives, revealing that the academy was operating without official registration in a residential building. The findings have intensified calls for stronger regulation of home-based tuition centres and stricter enforcement of building safety standards across Punjab.
According to the inquiry report, the tuition centre was functioning from a private residence and had never been registered with any government department. Authorities found that the classes were conducted by a female teacher who privately tutored children, many of whom were related to her. The report has now been submitted to the district administration for further legal and administrative action.
Investigators determined that approximately 25 to 30 children were attending classes when the roof suddenly collapsed. Rescue teams immediately launched an operation, recovering victims trapped beneath the debris. Fourteen children died in the incident, while several others, including a female teacher, sustained injuries. Officials confirmed that the injured are receiving treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.
The inquiry highlighted the absence of a formal registration framework for tuition centres operating from residential properties. CEO Education Authority Tariq Mahmood stated that home-based tuition academies currently fall outside the Education Department’s regulatory system, making it difficult for authorities to monitor their safety standards or operational conditions.
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Following the submission of the report, the district administration is expected to review the findings and determine whether new regulations are required to oversee private tuition centres operating from homes. Officials are also considering mechanisms to improve inspections of buildings being used for educational purposes.
Meanwhile, Lahore police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against those allegedly responsible for the tragedy. The case was filed on the complaint of the Enforcement Inspector of Nishtar Zone, accusing those involved of negligence and unsafe construction practices that endangered the lives of children.
According to the FIR, the tuition classes continued beneath a structurally weak roof while repair and construction work was underway on the upper portion of the building. Investigators believe the additional load placed on the roof during renovation work caused the structure to fail, resulting in the devastating collapse.
Police have launched a detailed criminal investigation into the incident. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed that five individuals, including the building owner, have been taken into custody for questioning. Authorities said legal proceedings will continue after forensic experts and engineers complete their technical assessments of the building.
Structural engineers are examining whether construction regulations were violated and whether the building was suitable for educational activities. Officials are also reviewing whether proper safety measures were ignored during ongoing repair work.
The tragedy has sparked widespread concern among parents, educators, and civil society regarding the rapid growth of unregulated tuition centres across urban areas. Many experts argue that increasing academic competition has led to a rise in private coaching facilities operating without official oversight or basic safety inspections.
Education specialists have urged the Punjab government to establish a comprehensive registration system for all tuition centres, including those operating from residential houses. They say mandatory building inspections, emergency preparedness plans, occupancy limits, and licensing requirements could help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Building safety experts also stressed that residential properties converted into educational facilities should meet minimum structural standards before being allowed to host large numbers of students. Regular inspections and enforcement of construction laws, they argue, are essential to protecting children.
The Kahna tragedy has become one of the deadliest accidents involving a private tuition centre in recent years. As investigations continue, families of the victims are demanding accountability and stronger safeguards to ensure that educational institutions—whether formal schools or private academies—provide a safe environment for every child.
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