Lahore, March 16 At least eight women were killed and over 30 others injured after the roof of a government building collapsed on Monday in the Punjab province of Pakistan, an official said.
The incident took place in the Rahim Yar Khan (RYK) district, about 400 km from Lahore.
"A large number of women seeking financial assistance under the government-funded Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) had gathered at a BISP women centre's rooftop hall at Tiba Mithiar Chak (village) 123 when it collapsed," RYK Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Anwar told reporters.
He said Rescue 1122 officials reached the site and rescued those trapped under the rubble.
"About 40 injured women were taken to the Sheikh Zayed Hospital RYK, where doctors pronounced eight of them dead. The death toll may rise as the condition of some of the injured women is critical," the deputy commissioner said, adding that it appears the single-story structure was in disrepair and collapsed when a large number of women gathered on its rooftop.
He said the women had come to the BISP centre to collect their payments under the programme.
After the incident, local residents protested against the government for opening the BISP centre in a dilapidated building. They demanded that the government provide compensation to the victims.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed her grief over the tragic incident and directed the health authorities to provide the best possible care to the injured. However, she did not announce any financial compensation to the victims.