Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi has requested a detailed report regarding the collapse of a temporary structure at Comsats University Islamabad (CUI). The building in question, used by faculty of the Virtual Campus for hybrid classes, partially collapsed while several teachers were present. Fortunately, signs of the ceiling falling gave occupants time to evacuate.
According to a letter from the ministry dated April 30, the minister—also the Pro-Chancellor of CUI—was informed that the roof of Block-1, Fifth Floor, collapsed on April 28. The facility had been occupied by faculty members and administrative staff. The minister has called for an investigation to identify responsible parties and prevent future incidents.
In response, the Academic Staff Association (ASA) of Comsats expressed serious concerns. In a letter to Acting Rector Professor Sajid Qamar, they condemned the incident as a disturbing failure that endangered lives and destroyed valuable academic infrastructure. The ASA described the collapse as both shocking and unacceptable.
The faculty demanded a thorough, independent investigation to determine accountability, emphasizing that those found negligent must face consequences under university and national regulations. The ASA also criticized the reliance on unstable, temporary structures despite the university’s sizable budget and called for an immediate audit of all campus buildings. They insisted that no facility should be used unless officially declared safe by certified structural engineers.
