Deaths of six women beneficiaries in RYK: BISP to take action, impose fine on partner

ISLAMABAD: The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has announced to initiate “strict legal action” against, and impose “heavy fine” on one of its partner banks over alleged negligence resulting in the deaths of six BISP women beneficiaries following a roof collapse in Rahim Yar Khan on Monday.

“In view of the possible negligence in the incident, a notice has been issued to the relevant partner bank, while a heavy fine is also being imposed,” BISP said in an official statement, without naming the said bank.

The BISP will provide financial assistance of one million rupees to the families of the deceased women and Rs 300,000 to the injured women, the statement further said, adding that these payments would be completed by today (Tuesday).

Reports suggest that the affected women had visited the said bank to collect quarterly stipends of Rs 14,500 (per beneficiary) under the BISP Kafaalat initiative.

According to initial reports, at least six women lost their lives and several others sustained serious injuries due to the collapse of a roof the victims were standing on.

According to the BISP’s official statement, Chairperson BISP Senator Rubina Khalid, on the instructions of the President Asif Ali Zardari, “immediately departed for Rahim Yar Khan to visit the site, assess the situation, and express solidarity with the affected families.”

On the directions of the chairperson BISP, a high-level committee from BISP headquarters also immediately departed for Rahim Yar Khan to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, determine those responsible, and submit a detailed report within 24 hours, the statement added.

A transparent investigation will be conducted into this unfortunate incident and strict legal action will be taken against the representatives of the relevant partner bank, the statement quoted the BISP person as having stated.

She further assured that all possible support will be provided to the affected families, said the statement.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026