Shehbaz forms committee to probe Bahawalpur tragedy

Body will review steps adopted by motorway police and local administration after the incident

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a four-member inquiry committee to investigate the Ahmadpur East tragedy which claimed 174 lives.

Chairman Chief Minister’s Inspection Team Irfan Ali will head the committee which includes former IG Police Tariq Saleem Dogar, secretary transport and DG Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122.

The committee will investigate the incident from every aspect and also review steps taken by the local police, motorway police and the administration.

The committee will examine steps taken by officials of these departments to mitigate the damage.



The committee will also determine the cause of the fire and file the response of the authorities concerned.

This committee will present its report to the chief minister in five days after completing its investigation.

Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also briefed about the initial findings during his visit to Bahwalpur by the city commissioner.

Motorway police on Thursday suspended six of its officials, including a deputy superintendent of police, an inspector and three sub-inspectors.

These six officials of the national highway and motorway police were suspended after an inquiry was held by motorway police. These policemen were suspended on account of their negligence and for distorting facts during the investigation before senior officers.

The inquiry committee suggested disciplinary them.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 30^th, 2017.