Islamabad (Web Desk): The Opposition on Monday lambasted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-government for its 'criminal negligence' in Murree tragedy and demanded formation of a judicial commission to probe the incident.
Speaking during a session of the National Assembly (NA), Leader of the Opposition and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif condemned the "mismanagement" on part of the government regarding the incident that claimed 22 lives.
“People kept calling for help but neither the traffic police nor any other body was there to assist them,” the PML-N leader said.
He said that Murree tragedy was nothing but an administrative failure and it demonstrates the incompetency and criminal negligence of the incumbent government.
Shehbaz added that it was not the first time that Murree received heavy snowfall and this time, snowstorms had been forecast, so the authorities concerned could have taken preventative measures beforehand.
The PML-N leader slammed Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement in which he said that the district administration was unprepared to deal with the situation.
“If that was the case then what are you there for? Resign and go home,” he said.
Shehbaz Sharif said that the “nation will not pardon the government for its criminal negligence."
Federal Minister for Information Fawad Chaudhry spoke after Shehbaz wrapped up his tirade against the government and lashed out at the opposition leader for speaking like a "show-off" instead of a leader.
"Shehbaz Sharif is here after taking an exemption from court. I thought he would speak like a leader but he has once again proven that he is just a show-off who has nothing to say," the minister said.
He said said that the entire nation was in sorrow over the incident in Murree. "It was thought that this incident would be discussed in a manner that leads to unity, but leaders are born and not made through false means."
Fawad claimed that the Sharif family had created "palaces" using government resources instead of spending it on development and infrastructure in Punjab and Murree.
Speaking on his turn, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said that the innocent families and children, who were stranded in snow a mere two hours from the capital, did not receive the help they deserved.
He said that common men were in danger "just two hours away" from the prime minister's house.
"There were messages on social media. Phone calls were being made to bureaucratic offices and to police officials so that someone could take notice," the PPP chief said.
He said that the prime minister and officials always blame the victims of any incident since the PTI government came into power.
The PPP chief reiterated the opposition leader's demand for a judicial inquiry into the incident so that action could be taken against those responsible.
On Saturday night, more than 20 tourists died of carbon monoxide poisoning in Murree after their vehicles stranded in heavy snow.