LAHORE/ RAWALPINDI/ MULTAN, PAKISTAN – Heavy monsoon rains across Punjab led to multiple incidents of roof collapses on Monday, leaving several people injured in Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Multan, according to rescue and emergency officials. Authorities have warned of continued weather-related risks and imposed restrictions on high-risk areas.
In Rawalpindi, six members of a family were injured when the roof of a house caved in near Lal Haveli early Monday morning. The incident occurred close to New Sarafa Bazaar amid intense rainfall.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Usman Gujjar said three women and three men were among the injured. Two of them — identified as Muhammad Ali (19) and Easy (27) — were shifted to the Rawalpindi District Headquarters Hospital and are reportedly in stable condition. The others received first aid at the scene.
The injured were identified as Muhammad Ali, Akbar (45), Easy, Alina (17), Two Greats (22), and Shabnam (18). Despite initial reports that individuals were trapped inside the house, rescue teams confirmed that no one was found under the debris.
In Multan, a madressah roof collapsed during construction, injuring at least nine girls. Rescue 1122 teams arrived at the scene after receiving emergency calls and managed to pull the trapped girls from the rubble.
Four girls were provided on-site medical aid, while five others were transported to Nishtar Hospital for further treatment. According to eyewitnesses, the roof, constructed with TR girders, gave way under pressure.
Another roof collapse was reported in Lahore’s Jain Mandir Chowk, located in the Old Anarkali area. The incident occurred around 1:50am when the dilapidated roof of a house collapsed after days of persistent rain.
Rescue 1122 said the roof, made of wooden beams and tiles, was unable to withstand the waterlogged conditions. Five people were injured and shifted to Ganga Ram Hospital. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported.
In response to worsening weather conditions and potential flood risks, the Rawalpindi administration has imposed a 30-day ban on swimming, bathing, and unauthorized gatherings near Nullah Lai and its tributaries.
In a notification issued on June 28, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema invoked Section 144 to restrict public access to vulnerable water bodies from June 28 to July 27, 2025.
“Activities like swimming and bathing in Nullah Lai and its tributaries during this weather pose serious threats to life,” the notification stated. Legal action will be taken against violators.
The order mandates that the ban be publicized across all government offices, courts, and public venues. Citizens have been urged to comply strictly with safety directives.
The recent spate of roof collapses has once again drawn attention to the fragility of old buildings and the lack of structural reinforcements in many parts of urban Punjab. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable structures to take precautions and report signs of structural damage.
Emergency services remain on high alert as the monsoon season continues to lash large parts of the province with more rain forecasted in the coming days.
