A tragic incident occurred in Rahim Yar Khan when the roof of a retailer shop collapsed on women who had gathered to collect their financial assistance from the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The accident resulted in the deaths of eight women and left 75 people injured, creating shock and grief across the community.
Following the incident, BISP authorities quickly announced financial compensation for the victims and their families and ordered an immediate investigation into the tragedy.
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Tragic Roof Collapse During BISP Payment Collection
The incident took place on Minthar Road, Chak 123-P in Rahim Yar Khan, where a large number of women had arrived at a retailer’s shop to receive their BISP payments.
According to rescue officials, the roof of the shop suddenly collapsed, trapping many women under the debris. Emergency rescue teams rushed to the scene and began pulling victims out from the rubble.
Initial reports confirm that:
- 8 women lost their lives
- 75 people were injured
- Among the injured, 74 are women and 1 is a man
Most of the victims had gathered there to collect financial support distributed under the Benazir Income Support Programme.
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Emergency Declared at Sheikh Zayed Hospital
After the accident, emergency services shifted the injured to Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan where an emergency was immediately declared to deal with the large number of patients.
Medical teams were placed on high alert to ensure that all injured individuals received immediate treatment. Doctors and hospital staff worked continuously to stabilize the victims.
Rescue officials confirmed that:
- Six deceased women were shifted to Sheikh Zayed Hospital
- Two bodies were handed over to families at their request and taken home for burial
BISP Announces Financial Compensation
Following the tragedy, the leadership of the Benazir Income Support Programme took immediate action.
BISP Chairperson Rubina Khalid announced a financial assistance package for the victims.
The compensation includes:
| Category | Financial Assistance |
|---|---|
| Families of deceased women | Rs1,000,000 each |
| Injured victims | Rs300,000 each |
Officials stated that the payments will be delivered to the affected families by tomorrow, ensuring that victims receive immediate financial relief.
This assistance aims to support families who have lost their loved ones and help injured individuals cover medical expenses.
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Investigation Committee Formed
In response to the incident, BISP authorities have also formed a special investigation committee to determine the cause of the roof collapse.
Chairperson Rubina Khalid along with the investigation team has already departed for Rahim Yar Khan to assess the situation on the ground.
According to the official statement:
- The committee will submit a detailed report within 24 hours
- The investigation will identify those responsible for the incident
- Any negligence or safety violations will be addressed strictly
Partner Bank Issued Notice
Authorities have also issued a formal notice to the partner bank responsible for managing the payment distribution point.
The investigation will review whether proper safety measures and crowd management protocols were followed at the retailer location.
Officials indicated that if negligence is proven, the bank could face:
- Heavy financial penalties
- Possible administrative action
The goal is to ensure that such incidents do not happen again during public welfare program distributions.
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Concerns Over Safety at Payment Centers
The tragic event has once again raised concerns about safety arrangements at BISP payment centers across Pakistan.
In many areas, beneficiaries—mostly women—often gather in large numbers at small shops or payment points. Without proper crowd control and infrastructure, such locations can become dangerous.
Experts say that improving the following areas could help prevent similar tragedies:
- Better crowd management systems
- Stronger building safety standards
- Dedicated payment centers for beneficiaries
- Improved security and emergency planning
Support for Victims and Families
Local authorities, rescue teams, and hospital staff continue to support the affected families during this difficult time.
The government has assured that:
- Victims will receive immediate financial support
- The injured will receive full medical care
- A transparent investigation will be conducted
The tragedy in Rahim Yar Khan highlights the importance of ensuring that welfare programs not only provide financial assistance but also maintain safe and organized systems for beneficiaries.
In the coming days, authorities are expected to release the investigation report, which will determine the exact cause of the collapse and identify those responsible for the unfortunate incident.