In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through Rahim Yar Khan, authorities have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the retailer responsible for distributing Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) handouts, following the collapse of a rooftop that resulted in the deaths of eight women. The incident, which occurred at Chak 123-P Union Council 114, has raised serious concerns about negligence and safety violations linked to the retailer’s handling of the distribution process.
The FIR highlights that the catastrophe was a direct consequence of the retailer’s disregard for established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under the BISP framework. It accuses the retailer of acting out of greed and failing to ensure proper safety measures for the beneficiaries. Five individuals—identified as Sajjad, Basharat, Rashid, Arif, and Mohsin—have been named in the report and are currently evading arrest, though police officials have assured that efforts to apprehend them are underway.
the details documented in the FIR, the retailer had arranged for the distribution of BISP cash handouts on the rooftop of his shop. This location, however, was structurally unsound and ill-equipped to handle the large crowd that gathered. The responsibility to provide a safe environment for the women receiving financial aid rested squarely on the retailer’s shoulders, a duty that was evidently neglected. This failure led to the roof giving way under the weight of the assembled beneficiaries.
The Deputy Commissioner of Rahim Yar Khan, Zaheer Anwar, provided further insight into the scale of the disaster, noting that over 200 women had congregated on the rooftop at the time of the collapse. The dilapidated condition of the structure was a critical factor in the accident. Tragically, eight women lost their lives in the collapse, while 74 others sustained injuries of varying severity. The district administration has been actively involved in managing the aftermath, coordinating rescue and medical assistance for the victims.
It is important to understand the context in which this incident occurred. The BISP retailer-based payment system was introduced in July 2025 with the aim of facilitating easier and more accessible cash withdrawals for low-income families across Pakistan. This initiative was designed to streamline the disbursement process and bring financial support closer to the beneficiaries’ communities. However, this unfortunate event has exposed glaring gaps in oversight and safety enforcement at the grassroots level.
Authorities have emphasized that the retailer and his associates will be held accountable for their negligence. The police are intensifying their search to bring the accused to justice, underscoring the seriousness with which the government views this breach of trust and safety. Meanwhile, the district administration is reviewing protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future, ensuring that the distribution of social welfare funds does not come at the cost of human lives.
