eight killed injured
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Eight killed, 37 injured as heavy rains lash Punja…

ByJustpaste.in

Heavy rain and strong winds caused widespread destruction across Punjab over the past 24 hours, leaving at least eight people dead and 37 others injured in a series of weather-related incidents, according to the Emergency Services Department.

Rescue Punjab said most of the casualties occurred after roofs, walls, and sheds collapsed due to intense rainfall and powerful windstorms. Emergency teams responded to dozens of incidents across the province and carried out rescue and relief operations.

Gujranwala was among the worst-affected districts. Rescue officials reported eight separate incidents of roof and wall collapses. Three people lost their lives, while 14 others suffered injuries. Rescue teams shifted the injured to nearby hospitals and cleared debris from the affected areas.

In Kamoke, a tragic incident claimed the life of a child who drowned after falling into rainwater accumulated in an underpass. Authorities urged parents to keep children away from flooded roads and underpasses during heavy rainfall.

In Pakpattan, two people were killed and two others injured when the mud roof of a house collapsed following continuous rain. Rescue workers reached the site and recovered the victims from the rubble before shifting the injured for medical treatment.

In Sahiwal, a woman died after the roof of a house collapsed in Kot Khadim Ali Shah. In another incident in Harappa, three people were injured when the roof of a shop caved in during the storm.

Lahore also witnessed damage as a roof collapsed near Gulshan-e-Ravi on Band Road, injuring four people. Rescue teams provided first aid and transported the injured to hospital.

In Mandi Bahauddin, several villages reported roof and wall collapses. Eight people sustained injuries in separate incidents caused by the severe weather.

In Bahawalnagar, one person was injured after a shed collapsed near Al-Jannat Chowk on Khan Baba Road.

Three more people were injured in Sialkot when the roof of a structure gave way during the rainfall.

Rescue officials also reported partial landslides and incidents of fallen trees in the hilly areas of Murree and Kahuta. Emergency teams remained on alert to clear roads and respond to any further emergencies.

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He argued that extending the liability period would create stronger incentives for contractors and executing agencies to maintain quality standards throughout construction. Under a longer liability period, contractors would remain responsible for addressing defects for an extended period, potentially discouraging the use of substandard materials or poor construction practices. The government views the proposed change as an important step towards improving the long-term value of public development spending. Construction development package under consideration The proposed construction industry development package is expected to address several financial and policy constraints currently affecting the sector. The package could include targeted tax reforms, revised import and export policies and incentives aimed at encouraging the adoption of modern construction technologies. 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The feasibility of creating a dedicated construction development bank will be assessed after obtaining feedback from the central bank and commercial banking sector. Officials will also examine the financial implications and potential structure of such an institution before any decision is taken. Import and export policies to be reviewed The government is also considering changes to import and export policies affecting construction-related businesses. The proposed review is intended to facilitate access to modern technologies and equipment while simultaneously encouraging greater domestic production and development of local industrial capacity. The authorities are expected to examine existing duties, procedures and policy barriers to determine whether adjustments could help improve competitiveness without undermining domestic manufacturing. Focus on value for public money During the meeting, Cheema stressed that improving construction quality was directly linked to protecting public finances. He said the government’s objective was not simply to complete infrastructure projects but to ensure that they delivered value over their intended lifespan. The minister emphasised the importance of cost-effectiveness, durability and accountability at every stage of public construction projects. The proposed reforms, if approved, could introduce significant changes to the way construction contractors and consultants are regulated, how public projects are monitored and how construction companies access financing. The government is now expected to consolidate the proposals into a broader policy framework and seek approval for the proposed measures.

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