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Islamabad: A three-storey residential building collapsed in Multan early Tuesday, resulting in the tragic death of nine people while two others were injured. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in Pakistan’s construction practices.
According to senior government official Rizwan Qadeer, the collapse not only claimed lives but also damaged nearby houses, highlighting the widespread impact of such disasters in densely populated urban areas.
The disaster struck the Haram Gate area of Multan, an important city in eastern Punjab province, where the structural integrity of an old building deteriorated, causing it to collapse. Amidst the wreckage, a desperate search and rescue operation began, revealing the extent of the disaster.
Four of the dead were from the same family, reflecting a deep personal tragedy within this massive loss. Following this, authorities began an immediate investigation to determine the cause, while emergency services worked tirelessly to assist the injured and destitute.
Building collapses are not uncommon in Pakistan, a country that grapples with lax enforcement of construction rules and a tendency to take cost-cutting measures that compromise safety. The Multan incident is a reminder of the dangerous condition of many residential structures across the country.
In comparison, June 2020 saw a similar tragedy when an apartment building collapsed in Karachi, killing 22 people. These incidents are sobering evidence of the urgent need for strict enforcement of building codes and regulations to prevent future tragedies.
As the community mourns the loss of life and property, the incident in Multan is a reminder of the vital importance of building safety. This highlights the need for concerted efforts by government bodies, construction industry stakeholders and the community at large to ensure that safety is not compromised. The road to safer buildings is full of challenges, but it is a necessary journey to prevent the recurrence of such disastrous events.
