Murree tragedy inquiry report faces delay

The probe committee seeks a few more days to draft its findings

RAWALPINDI:

The five-member body probing the Murree tragedy failed to wrap up its investigation by Monday, missing its deadline to finalise the findings just as it appeared to be closer to its conclusion, sources said.

The inquiry committee, formed a week ago, might not issue its report for the next few days.

Sources privy to the development said that the committee was expected to prepare a draft of its findings - which was based on interviews of victims and administrative officials – and submit it to Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar.

However, the inquiry committee has now sought further time to prepare its report.

Sources further said that the CM Punjab is expected to hold a press conference to announce the details of the course of action taken in light of the report’s findings.

Meanwhile, Punjab government spokesperson Hasaan Khawar stressed that the probe had entered its penultimate stage, adding that the investigation was the government’s top priority.

He said the committee is in the process of devising recommendations related to the Murree tragedy.

The committee is led by Punjab Additional Chief Secretary Zafar Nasarullah with Punjab Food Secretary Ali Sarfraz, Agriculture Secretary Asad Gillani and Additional Inspector General of Police Farooq Mazhar as members.

The four-member committee has so far quizzed and collected records from different departments, including the district administration, police and Rescue 1122. Sources said the team will run a comparative evaluation of the statements given by the survivors and administrative officers before drafting its findings.

Earlier, the local administration launched a crackdown on illegal structures that are creating road closures in Murree on the recommendation of the probe body.

On Friday, the preliminary findings of the probe revealed that 20 out of 29 snow-removing machinery and snowmobiles had failed to respond promptly to the Murree incident that claimed 22 lives.

The probe revealed that drivers and other staff were also found to be absent from their duty despite several warnings issued by the Met Office about a severe snowstorm through print and electronic media.

The nation was left stunned when the news of 23 deaths owing to a deadly blizzard in Murree hit the mainstream and social media. The deaths of the tourists, including women and children who had flocked to the scenic spot to witness the snowfall, were nothing short of the tragedy. The visitors 'froze to death' in their vehicles, amidst tonnes of snow in the surroundings as a snowstorm gripped the valley.