At least 11 people were killed and 33 others injured on Thursday when a passenger bus traveling from Multan to Kasur collided with a truck coming from the opposite direction on Depalpur Road near 17 SP Stop, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson, Umair Iqbal, said.
The collision occurred near Pakpattan, and a rescue operation involving cranes and heavy machinery was conducted to retrieve passengers trapped in the wreckage. The operation lasted three hours, according to a press release from the district administration.
The spokesperson identified the deceased officials as Ali Hasnain of the Patrolling Police and Zahid Imam of the Para Force.
Following the accident, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz sought a report on the incident and directed the district administration to provide the best possible medical facilities to the injured. She expressed grief over the loss of lives, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and conveyed her sympathies to the bereaved families.
On the Chief Minister's instructions, Pakpattan Deputy Commissioner Asif Raza reached the hospital. DC Raza declared an emergency at the District Headquarters Hospital in Pakpattan, summoning additional doctors and medical staff. He directed the hospital administration to ensure "prompt, high-quality medical care" for all injured passengers and visited the hospital to review medical arrangements.
District Police Officer (DPO) Javed Iqbal Chadhar also arrived at the scene immediately to oversee rescue operations alongside Rescue 1122 and the district administration.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed "profound grief and sorrow" over the "tragic loss" on social media, extending his condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the early recovery of the injured. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also expressed grief and conveyed "heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families" while praying for the recovery of those injured.
