Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has ordered an inquiry into the Murree tragedy after thousands of tourists have reportedly been stranded due to heavy snowfall, after which the roads from Islamabad to Murree were closed.
According to reports, more than 19 tourists in vehicles have been confirmed dead due to the extreme cold. The district administration of Rawalpindi has claimed that so far more than 27,000 vehicles have entered Murree as more vehicles are awaiting entry.
In a statement issued on Twitter, PM Imran Khan expressed shock and sadness at the tragic deaths of tourists and ordered an investigation into the incident.
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The premier added that people turned to Murree without knowing the unusual snowfall and weather conditions, the district administration was not ready for this situation, strict rules and regulations will be established to prevent such incidents.
“Shocked & upset at tragic deaths of tourists on road to Murree. Unprecedented snowfall & rush of ppl proceeding without checking weather conditions caught district admin unprepared,” the prime minister wrote on his official Twitter handle.
Shocked & upset at tragic deaths of tourists on road to Murree. Unprecedented snowfall & rush of ppl proceeding without checking weather conditions caught district admin unprepared. Have ordered inquiry & putting in place strong regulation to ensure prevention of such tragedies.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 8, 2022
According to Baaghi TV reports, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid said that one thousand more vehicles would be taken out by evening. All roads leading to Murree have been closed. Only those carrying aid will be allowed to leave. FC, Rangers and Pakistan Army have also been called.
Moreover, the Federal Interior Minister has called on the locals and residents to provide food, blankets and other necessities to the stranded families.
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On the other hand, Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Sardar Usman Buzdar has ordered the administration, police, rescue officers, and staff of Rescue 1122 to intensify the relief activities and provide necessary relief items and help to the tourists trapped in the snowfall in Murree. CM Buzdar said that all resources should be used to move tourists to safer places He has further directed the administration to employ additional machinery and personnel to make the rescue operation effective.
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