Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab — In a heartbreaking incident ahead of Eid al-Fitr, the roof of a Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) payment distribution center collapsed in Rahim Yar Khan today, claiming the lives of at least five to eight women and leaving over 50 others injured.
The tragedy occurred in the Chak 123-P Tibba locality, where hundreds of deserving women had gathered to collect their financial assistance.
Overcrowding and a Dilapidated Structure
Early Monday morning, a massive crowd of more than 200 women arrived at a local grocery store that was operating as a private bank payment point for BISP beneficiaries. Due to the overwhelming rush, eyewitnesses report that the retailer directed many of the women to wait on the first floor of the building.
The single-story structure, reportedly built with substandard materials, was visibly dilapidated. Unable to withstand the weight of the heavy crowd, the roof suddenly caved in, trapping dozens of women under the heavy rubble.
Casualties and Emergency Rescue Operations
The collapse triggered immediate panic and a deadly stampede.
- Fatalities: Authorities have confirmed the deaths of multiple women. Identified victims include Shahnaz (50), Mariyum (40), Bakhtawar (35), Anwar Mai (50), Charkhi Mai (45), Heleema Bibi (49), Parveen Akhtar, and Zulekhian.
- Injuries: Rescue officials estimate between 30 to 57 women sustained severe injuries, with several reported to be in critical condition suffering from head trauma.
رحیم یار خان میں بی آئی ایس پی سینٹر کی چھت گرنے کا اندوہناک سانحہ
رحیم یار خان کے علاقے چک 123-پی ٹبہ میں بینظیر انکم سپورٹ پروگرام (BISP) کے ایک نجی ادائیگی مرکز کی خستہ حال چھت گرنے سے ایک انتہائی افسوسناک واقعہ پیش آیا ہے۔ عید کی امدادی رقم وصول کرنے کے لیے 200 سے زائد خواتین وہاں جمع تھیں، اور دکاندار کی جانب سے خواتین کو چھت پر بٹھانے اور زیادہ ہجوم کے باعث یہ حادثہ پیش آیا۔
اہم تفصیلات:
- جانی نقصان: اس المناک حادثے میں 5 سے 8 خواتین کے جاں بحق ہونے کی تصدیق ہوئی ہے، جبکہ 30 سے 50 کے قریب خواتین ملبے تلے دب کر اور بھگدڑ مچنے سے شدید زخمی ہوئیں۔
- امداد اور طبی کارروائی: ریسکیو 1122 نے فوری طور پر زخمیوں کو نکال کر شیخ زید اسپتال منتقل کیا جہاں ایمرجنسی نافذ کر دی گئی ہے۔
- حکومتی ایکشن اور معاوضہ: حکومتِ پنجاب اور بی آئی ایس پی کی جانب سے جاں بحق خواتین کے اہل خانہ کے لیے 10 لاکھ روپے اور زخمیوں کے لیے 3 لاکھ روپے فی کس مالی امداد کا اعلان کیا گیا ہے۔ واقعے کے ذمہ داران کے خلاف اعلیٰ سطحی تحقیقات کا آغاز بھی کر دیا گیا ہے۔
Rescue 1122 teams, alongside the Edhi Foundation, rushed to the scene to initiate relief operations. The injured were swiftly transported to Sheikh Zayed Medical College Hospital (SZMCH). Rahim Yar Khan’s Deputy Commissioner, Zaheer Anwar, immediately declared a state of emergency at the hospital to manage the heavy influx of trauma patients.
Government Response and Compensation Announced
The incident has drawn swift reactions from top government officials:
- Financial Relief: The BISP administration has announced a rapid compensation package of Rs 1 million for the families of the deceased and Rs 300,000 for each injured woman.
- Official Condolences: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of life and issued strict directives to health authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a public statement of condolence.
- Investigations Underway: BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid is traveling to the district to personally review the situation. A high-level inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the bank representatives and the local administration for allowing a distribution center to operate in such a hazardous building.
Public Outcry for Accountability
Following the collapse, local residents staged protests against the local administration. Citizens are demanding strict accountability and urging the government to ensure that all future BISP payment centers are established in safe, designated public buildings to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happened at the BISP center in Rahim Yar Khan?
On March 16, 2026, the roof of a local grocery store acting as a Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) payment distribution center collapsed in the Chak 123-P Tibba area of Rahim Yar Khan. The collapse was caused by severe overcrowding when dozens of women were directed to wait on the dilapidated roof of the building.
How many casualties were reported in the Rahim Yar Khan roof collapse?
Authorities have confirmed the tragic deaths of at least 5 to 8 women. Additionally, between 30 and 57 women were injured in the collapse and the resulting stampede, with several in critical condition.
Has the government announced compensation for the victims?
Yes, the BISP administration has announced a financial relief package. The families of the deceased will receive Rs 1 million, while Rs 300,000 will be provided to each injured victim.
Where are the injured victims being treated?
Rescue 1122 and the Edhi Foundation transported the injured women to Sheikh Zayed Medical College Hospital (SZMCH) in Rahim Yar Khan. The district administration immediately declared a state of emergency at the hospital to handle the influx of trauma patients.
What action is the government taking regarding the incident?
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and President Asif Ali Zardari have issued official condolences. Furthermore, a high-level inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the private bank representatives and local authorities for allowing a heavy crowd to gather on an unsafe, structurally weak building.
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