RAHIM YAR KHAN (HRNW): A devastating incident occurred in Chak 125, a suburban area of Rahim Yar Khan, where the dilapidated roof of a building collapsed on a large crowd of women waiting for Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) payments. The disaster has claimed the lives of at least five women and left 55 others injured.
According to rescue officials, more than 200 women had gathered at a private retailer’s shop to receive their quarterly installments ahead of the upcoming Eid holidays. To manage the massive influx, the retailer reportedly instructed many of the women to wait on the first floor. The aging structure, unable to withstand the excessive weight, suddenly gave way, trapping dozens under the rubble.
Rescue 1122 and local volunteers quickly arrived at the scene to initiate a search and rescue operation. The victims were shifted to Sheikh Zayed Medical College Hospital (SZMCH), where an emergency has been declared to provide immediate medical assistance. Hospital sources confirmed that five women were pronounced dead on arrival, while several among the 55 injured remain in critical condition with head injuries and fractures.
The district administration has launched an investigation into the incident, as local residents staged protests against the use of unsafe buildings as BISP disbursement points. Initial findings suggest the roof was constructed with substandard materials and was in a state of decay. BISP authorities have reportedly announced compensation of Rs 1 million for the families of the deceased and Rs 300,000 for the injured, alongside a notice issued to the partner bank for the safety lapse.
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