At least eight women were killed and more than 30 others injured on Monday after the roof of a government building collapsed in Pakistan’s Punjab province, an official said. The incident occurred in Rahim Yar Khan (RYK) district, located about 400 km from Lahore.
“A large number of women seeking financial aid under the government-funded Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) had gathered in a rooftop hall of a BISP women’s centre in Tiba Mithiar Chak (village) 123 when the roof suddenly collapsed,” RYK Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Anwar said.
He said rescue teams from Rescue 1122 quickly arrived at the scene and began pulling people from beneath the debris. “As many as 40 injured women were taken to Sheikh Zayed Hospital in RYK, where doctors confirmed eight deaths. The toll could rise because several of the injured remain in critical condition,” the deputy commissioner said. He added that the single-storey building appeared to be in poor condition and may have collapsed due to the large number of people gathered on the rooftop.
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According to officials, the women had come to the BISP centre to collect their payments under the welfare programme. Following the tragedy, local residents staged protests, accusing the authorities of operating the BISP centre in an unsafe and dilapidated building. Protesters demanded that the government provide compensation to the families of those killed and to the injured.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed sorrow over the incident and instructed health authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured. However, no financial compensation for the victims was announced.
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