Holidaymakers’ deaths point to govt’s poor administrative dexterity

While expressing their grief and sorrow over the tragic deaths of tourists who were stranded on Murree and Galyat roads in the sub-zero temperature all night, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif and Vice President Maryam Nawaz lashed out at the government for its apathy shown towards the holidaymakers who were stuck on roads in freezing condition and shivered to death, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

In a statement issued on Saturday, Shehbaz Sharif said that the incident was the result of administration’s inability and criminal negligence. It shows the lack of government’s administrative prowess as the government has failed to streamline the traffic arrangements in Murree and Galyat, he added. 

He wondered why the administration did not take notice when travelers were heading to Murree and Galyat in droves. 

The government which cannot tackle mere 1,000 vehicles on roads, how can it solve country’s myriad problems, he brooded adding if Prime Minister Imran Niazi had moral courage, then at least he would have dismissed the responsible minister and his subordinates. 

It’s height of apathy and cruelty as shown by the government which proclaimed to boost tourism in the country, he stated. 

Consoling with the aggrieved families who lost their near and dear ones, Shehbaz said his heart went out to them sharing their pain and grief. He prayed for the souls of the deceased. 

In her tweet, Maryam Nawaz wrote: “I have NEVER seen such chaos, apathy & incompetence & most importantly a government that has nothing to do with the misery of people. What’s most shocking though is not only the dismissive attitude but the contempt & scorn they pour on the victims.”

I have NEVER seen such chaos, apathy & incompetence & most importantly a government that has nothing to do with the misery of people. What’s most shocking though is not only the dismissive attitude but the contempt & scorn they pour on the victims.

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) January 8, 2022

On the other hand, in a telephonic talk with 24NewsHD TV, PDM Chairman Fazlur Rehman wondered whether it was a government or it was killer of people. He termed the death of 21 tourists in Murree as horrific. He wondered why the administration had let the holidaymakers cram the hilly resort without any warning. 

He appealed to the local people to help the tourists stranded on the icy roads. 

Reporter Umar Aslam