DG Khan victims await CM’s compensation

By MIR HUNBAL BIRMANI

A heartfelt public appeal has been made to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on social media , urging her to announce financial compensation for the families of the four children who were killed and sixteen injured in the Little Scholars School tragedy in Dera Ghazi Khan on May 7, similar to the relief package announced for victims of the recent Kahna, Lahore academy roof collapse.

Parents of deceased children of little scholar school roof collapse incident expressed profound grief over the tragic incident in Kahna, Lahore, where the collapse of an academy roof claimed the lives of innocent children and left several others injured. They offerd prayers for the departed souls, strength for the bereaved families, and a speedy recovery for the injured.

Referring to reports that the Punjab government has announced Rs2 million each for the families of the deceased and Rs500,000 each for the injured in the Kahna tragedy, the public appeal on social media describes the decision as commendable. However, it argues that the absence of a similar announcement for the victims of the Little Scholars School tragedy in Dera Ghazi Khan has created a perception of unequal treatment .

The statement notes that both incidents involved the collapse of classroom roofs, resulting in the deaths and injuries of schoolchildren. It stresses that negligence and carelessness cannot be overlooked in either case and that the victims in Dera Ghazi Khan deserve the same compassion and support extended to those in Lahore.

The appeal further points out that while the Chief Minister promptly announced relief for the Kahna victims, no compensation has yet been announced for the families affected by the Dera Ghazi Khan tragedy, nor did the Chief Minister visit the city to offer condolences. It says this has caused disappointment among the bereaved families and residents of Dera Ghazi Khan.

Questioning the perceived disparity, the appeal states that if the Chief Minister considers herself a mother to all the children of Punjab, then the victims of both tragedies should receive equal treatment.

The appeal concludes by urging Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to announce a compensation package for the families of the deceased and injured children in the Little Scholars School tragedy. It emphasizes that while no amount of money can compensate for the loss of a child or heal the grief of the parents, such assistance would demonstrate that the government stands with all citizens equally.

The statement also calls upon elected representatives from Dera Ghazi Khan and the district administration to formally recommend to the Punjab government that financial assistance be provided to the affected families.