Incident Overview
A section of the roof of Government Altaf High School, located on Civil Lines Road in Jhelum, collapsed on Sunday in what authorities described as a “serious safety incident.” Fortunately, no students or staff were inside the affected room at the time of the collapse, preventing potential casualties.
Eyewitnesses reported that the debris fell onto a parked motorcycle and other belongings stored in the room. Both the motorcycle and other items sustained heavy damage. Rescue officials confirmed that the debris was later cleared, and initial safety checks were conducted.
Emergency Response
Soon after the collapse, police and rescue teams rushed to the site. Rescue 1122 workers began clearing rubble and cordoning off the damaged area to prevent further accidents. The authorities also launched an initial inquiry to determine the cause of the structural failure.
Officials said that preliminary findings suggest the building’s deteriorating condition may have contributed to the collapse. However, the final report will only be released after a detailed technical investigation.
Structural Concerns in Public Schools
Residents expressed deep concern following the incident, noting that many public schools in Jhelum and across Punjab are housed in decades-old buildings. Some of these structures, built during the pre-independence era, have not undergone regular maintenance or safety inspections.
A parent near the scene told local reporters: “We are lucky no children were inside, but what if this happened during school hours? The authorities must act before another tragedy occurs.”
Civil society groups and parents have urged the education department to carry out a comprehensive survey of all government school buildings in the district. They are demanding immediate renovation or reconstruction of unsafe structures.
Broader Context
Building safety has long been a concern in Pakistan, particularly in public sector institutions. According to Punjab’s School Education Department, more than 7,500 school buildings across the province were declared “dangerous” in a 2022 assessment. Many of these schools continue to operate due to lack of funding for repairs or reconstruction.
Jhelum, a district in northern Punjab with a population of over 1.2 million, has several government schools serving thousands of students. Education activists warn that outdated infrastructure poses risks not only to children but also to teachers and staff.
Experts highlight that Pakistan’s extreme weather conditions—scorching summers, heavy monsoon rains, and occasional earthquakes—further weaken already fragile buildings. Without proper reinforcement, incidents like roof collapses remain a persistent threat.
Calls for Accountability
Following Sunday’s collapse, community members demanded accountability from the education authorities and local administration. Parents called for transparent investigations and a timeline for repairs. Some suggested temporarily relocating students from older buildings to safer premises.
Activists also argue that the government should allocate more funds for school infrastructure, rather than waiting for accidents to highlight urgent needs. Public safety, they say, should be prioritized alongside the provision of free education.
Looking Ahead
While no lives were lost in this particular incident, it has reignited debate about the condition of Pakistan’s public schools. Authorities in Jhelum have pledged to complete investigations swiftly and to recommend remedial measures.
Until then, parents and residents remain anxious. For many, this roof collapse serves as a stark reminder that the safety of students cannot be compromised.
