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Inquiry committee formed to probe causes, lapses in Murree, notification issued

Committee will determine those responsible for the Murree tragedy and investigate whether the government agencies had taken any joint action despite the stern warning of PMD or not

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4 months ago

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Inquiry committee formed to probe causes, lapses in Murree, notification issued
GNN Media: Representational Photo

Lahore: The Punjab government on Sunday constituted an inquiry committee to determine causes and lapses in Murree.

According to the notification issued by the Punjab government, the high-level inquiry committee will be headed by Additional Chief Secretary to Punjab Government Zafar Nasarullah while Ali Sarfraz, Asad Gillani and Farooq Mazhar will be members of the probe body.

The notification also stated that the committee has been directed to submit its report within seven days and identify the elements involved in negligence.

“The committee will determine those responsible for the Murree tragedy and investigate whether the government agencies had taken any joint action despite the stern warning of the Meteorological Department or not.”

It further said that the committee will also investigate why vehicles were not stopped in Islamabad to prevent entry into Murree and Galyat.

TORs

The committee will inter alia focus on the following aspects:

According to the Terms of Reference (ToRs), the committee would identify were concerned authorities including district administration, police, traffic police had coordinated any joint plan of action to prevent crisis situation in light of several warnings issued by the Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD).

Were any travel restrictions issued through electronic, print or social media to warn not to travel Murree?

Were any measures taken to regulate/ control the influx of vehicles/ tourists into Murree?

Was any traffic count kept of vehicles entering Murree?

Was any contingency plan prepared to deal with a crisis situation?

What were the lapses that contributed to the crisis?

The preliminary report of the tragic incident that took place in Murree was submitted to Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Usman Bazdar on Sunday.

According to the report, the construction of main roads in Murree has not been repaired for previous two years while the other roads were blocked due to heavy snow. There were no machines of Highway Department for clearing snow from the exit routes as well as no arrangement of clearing snow on urgent basis were provided by the government.

“Due to non-availability of electricity convinced the tourists to sleep in the car park on the roads. There is also no parking plaza in Muree where vehicles can be parked. On January 7, four feet of snow fell within 16 hours. As many as 162,000 vehicles entered into Murree from January 3 to 7.” 

The report further stated that the traffic was blocked due to falling tree in sixteen points. At least 21,000 vehicles were sent back, 22 people were killed in 4 to 5 vehicles, these people died due to excessive carbon monoxide. “The deaths occurred due to excess carbon monoxide. The power has been restored across 70% of the areas,” conveyed the report.

Following to the report, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) expressed anger for not proper management of the traffic system and directed to take action over overcharging tourists. 

 

Faisal Waqas

Faisal Waqas is a passionate journalist who has eight years of diversified experience in print, electronic and digital media. He has previously worked with other renowned private TV channels as well as English Newspaper and now associated with GNN as Senior Content Writer. Faisal has graduated from the University of Punjab and earned his M.Phil degree in Mass Communication from Superior University of Lahore.

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Pakistan

Quddus Bizenjo to stay as CM after no-confidence motion fails

Jamal Kamal-led group could muster the support of only 11 members
Published by Siddra Sumreen

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6 hours ago

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May 26, 2022 04:30 PM

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Quddus Bizenjo to stay as CM after no-confidence motion fails

Quetta: The opposition in Balochistan Assembly failed to table the no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo after its failure to grab the support of required lawmakers.

According to details, the motion couldn’t even be tabled after it failed to get the support of the 20 percent of the house members - 13 members in the 65-members house.

The session started with Deputy Speaker Sardar Babar Khan Musakhail in the chair who asked former provincial minister Mir Zahoor Buledi to read out the motion.

After the motion was read, Musakhial asked the members in support of the motion to raise their hands. Only 11 members voted in favor of the motion.

The motion against Bizenjo was in the provincial assembly on Monday last week with the support of some lawmakers from his own party.

The motion was signed by 14 members, including Bizenjo’s predecessor Jam Kamal of the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).

The motion was presented by PTI parliamentary leader Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind.

It is to be noted here that Abdul Quddus Bizenjo was elected as the Chief Minister of Balochistan after the provincial assembly passed a motion of no-confidence against former chief minister Jam Kamal Khan a few months ago in October 2021.

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Pakistan

Pakistan Navy seizes huge cache of drugs in Arabian Sea raid

Pakistan Navy is vigilant to counter any illegal activity and safeguard its maritime borders.
Published by Siddra Sumreen

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5 hours ago

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May 26, 2022 05:40 PM

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Pakistan Navy seizes huge cache of drugs in Arabian Sea raid

Karachi: Pakistan Navy during action in the Arabian Sea foiled a bid to smuggle narcotics worth millions of dollars.

According to PN’s spokesperson, Pakistan Navy Ship DEHSHAT in collaboration with PN air units seized approximately 4500 Kilograms of drugs at the North Arabian Sea. While undertaking maritime security operations, PNS DEHSHAT intercepted the suspicious dhow and recovered a large cache of drugs valued approximately 6.7 million dollars in the international market.

The spokesperson said that the successful operation by the Pakistan Navy in the seizure of a huge quantity of narcotics is a testimony to the fact that Pakistan Navy remains combatted to fulfill national and international obligations and maintaining good order at sea. Pakistan Navy is vigilant to counter any illegal activity and safeguard its maritime borders.

The successful execution of the anti-narcotics operation is a demonstration of the Pakistan Navy's resolve to deter and disrupt illegal activities in the maritime zone of Pakistan, the PN spokesperson said.

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Pakistan

Pakistan’s progress linked with Constitution’s supremacy, rule of law: PM

He lauded Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Defence Minister Khwaja Asif for dealing with the challenge effectively.
Published by Siddra Sumreen

Published

6 hours ago

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May 26, 2022 04:07 PM

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Pakistan’s progress linked with Constitution’s supremacy, rule of law: PM

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said the progress of Pakistan was linked with the supremacy of the Constitution and ensuring the rule of law.

The prime minister expressed these views in an interaction with the personnel of law enforcement agencies, who were deployed in the Red Zone to ensure law and order during the long march of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

PM Sharif lauded the personnel of Rangers, Islamabad Police, and the capital’s Traffic Police for rendering their duties professionally and protecting the lives and property of the people.

The prime minister appreciated the dedication of the law enforcement personnel to performing their official duties regardless of their political affiliation.

He lauded Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Defence Minister Khwaja Asif for dealing with the challenge effectively.

The prime minister emphasized unity among all the ranks of the nation to eliminate the scourge of anarchy and chaos.

He stressed everyone to demonstrate the spirit of sacrifice and patriotism to make the homeland a citadel of peace.

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