Murree tragedy inquiry

The Punjab government has removed 15 officials in relation to the Murree tragedy, where 22 people died after being stranded in their cars during a snowstorm earlier this month. The orders were issued after an inquiry committee headed by the Punjab Additional Chief Secretary Home submitted its recommendations. Those sent home include the Rawalpindi commissioner and deputy commissioner (DC), the Murree assistant commissioner (AC), and the Rawalpindi city police officer (CPO). The others removed included administrative officers, police, rescue, and disaster management officials.

The Punjab government has also recommended that the federal government suspend most of the CSS officers, while disciplinary action has been suggested or ordered against the Rawalpindi DC, the Murree AC, the Rawalpindi CPO, and top traffic, forest, rescue, and disaster management officials on the basis of negligence. While it is still early — the CSS officers are still awaiting punishment from the federal government — Punjab Chief Minister Osman Buzdar said his orders fulfilled his promise of action against those responsible.

Even though the orders represent a step in the right direction, Buzdar appeared to claim that his job was done. This is not the case. Punjab’s top elected official still needs to follow up and ensure that the suspended officials are thoroughly investigated and punished in line with their levels of responsibility. The inquiry also does not answer opposition parties’ claims that the ruling party would protect its ‘favourites’. That will only be settled if the findings are independently reviewed and if punishments beyond suspensions are actually handed down. Nor does it answer questions around the level of responsibility of elected officials, including Buzdar himself, who has been accused of being slow to respond.

Whether or not criminal penalties will be imposed is also unclear. What we do know is that existing SOPs at the time for high snowfall were ignored, as was capacity management for the hill resort. Either of these issues can be blamed for the tragedy. If the people responsible had done their jobs, 22 people would still be alive. With this in mind, is it not manslaughter?