Islamabad: At least eight women were killed and 45 others injured Monday when the roof of a shop collapsed in Rahim Yar Khan in Pakistan's central-eastern Punjab province, according to state media.

According to Anadolu Agency, the injured were taken to hospitals, as reported by Radio Pakistan. The incident occurred when beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme, which provides cash assistance to low-income families, gathered at a grocery store serving as a payment point, the Dawn newspaper reported.

The district administration stated that an investigation committee has been formed to examine the cause of the collapse and will submit its report within 24 hours. Divisional Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen mentioned that if the investigation finds the collapse resulted from negligence, strict legal action will be taken against those responsible.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed 'deep sorrow' over the incident and offered condolences to the victims' families while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.