LAHORE: A wooden bridge built to cross an artificial lake at the Governor House collapsed on Sunday due to overcrowding.

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government had announced to open all state buildings for the public, saying that national assets belonged to the people of Pakistan.

The public was allowed entry from the Governor House’s Anarkali gate facing Alhamra hall after checking the national identity card of the head of the family.

Learning from last Sunday’s experience, the Governor House spokesman suggested that families not bring eatables inside the premises to ensure that the historical building was not damaged. “It is our collective duty to keep national assets safe and clean,” the spokesman said.

Governor Chaudhry Sarwar was present on the occasion to welcome people. He also interacted with them briefly and took a tour of the compound.

“It was a pleasure to see children & adults enjoying the Governor House Lahore today. Our aim is to get away from the colonial barriers & red tape,” the governor tweeted.

While talking to the media, he said the government would solve all longstanding issues of the people, including lack of education, clean drinking water and health facilities. The government had set up a reforms cell in Punjab to act on its 100-day plan. “The government is working on devolution of power to grassroots, improve justice system and end corruption from the country,” he added.

A large number of families from Lahore and its outskirts thronged the Governor House on the second Sunday since its opening. People were taking selfies on the wooden bridge over the artificial lake when it collapsed due to excessive load. No one was injured in the accident.

The Governor House administration reached the spot and handled the situation. Employees claimed that they had installed boards inscribed with instructions near the bridge, but no one paid any heed to them. The public should take maximum care of the state building, they added.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2018

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.