Inquiry flags security warning failures

Mangi Dam Commission seeks PTA report, action on threats to martyr's widow

QUETTA:

The judicial inquiry commission investigating the Mangi Dam terrorist attack on Thursday held an open hearing, during which political figures, government officials and families of the victims recorded important statements before the commission headed by Justice Aamir Nawaz Rana.

Former Balochistan Assembly member Nasrullah Khan Zayrai told the commission that he had alerted senior provincial authorities, including the chief minister and chief secretary, about terrorist activities in the Mangi sector as early as July 6.

Zayrai said the authorities were also informed after police personnel had been taken hostage. However, he claimed that despite the warnings, no immediate tactical action was ordered to counter the threat.

The commission expressed serious displeasure when officials representing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) failed to provide satisfactory details regarding legal action taken against the spread of fake news on social media following the attack. Justice Rana directed the Director of the PTA's Web Analysis Division to personally appear before the commission at its next hearing and submit a comprehensive report on social media monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

The commission was also briefed on financial assistance for the families of those killed in the attack. Additional Secretary Home informed the hearing that a summary seeking an increase in the Martyrs' Compensation Package had been sent to the chief minister for approval. A formal notification would be issued after the proposal received cabinet clearance.

The Finance Department informed the commission that funds being disbursed to the families of martyrs under the compensation package were fully exempt from tax deductions.

The commission also took immediate notice of a complaint submitted by the widow of a martyr, who alleged that certain individuals were attempting to extort her compensation money through intimidation.