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