Minutes after the news of the snowstorm in Murree hit the headlines, condolence messages from national leaders and senior politicians started pouring in over social media, sharing grief with the bereaved families.
Prime Minister Imran Khan took to social media and shared his thoughts over the tragic incident.
The premier said: “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.”
PM further added that he has ordered an inquiry and also ordered putting in place strong regulations to ensure the prevention of such tragedies.
Leader of the opposition and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over loss of precious lives in Murree.
PML-N president said: “What a massive tragedy Murree is turning out to be! Heartbroken to learn about the loss of so many precious lives.”
“My profound condolences & sympathies are with the bereaved families. May Allah rest the departed souls in peace,” added the leader of the opposition.
Terming the incident as "criminal negligence" on part of the administration, Shehbaz said the event has exposed the incumbent government, which "cannot even handle a traffic situation".
The PML-N president questioned why when the government "knew" that such heavy snowfall would hit the area, did it not make arrangements to save the people.
"Does this government deserve to be in power if it cannot handle 1,000 cars? If tourists were headed towards [Murree] in such huge numbers, then why did the government not know about it? Was the administration asleep?"
Shahbaz said if the incumbent government cannot rescue stranded people, then how can it rid the country of inflation. "Imran Niazi has no moral courage, so at least ministers and their subordinates responsible for this serious criminal negligence should be dismissed."
Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal also expressed over the deaths of tourists in Murree and said the nation was saddened over the unfortunate incident.
Bilawal said: "It would have been better if the administration had informed the tourists about the weather situation in Murree.”
The administration should immediately begin rescue services for the tourists, added Bilawal.
PML-N vice president Maryam Nawaz Sharif took the jibe at the premier over the tragedy and said: “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, she added.
PML (Quaid) leader Chaudhry Salik Hussain said: “Saddened to hear of the loss of precious lives in Murree”.
Salik said the main cause of tourist deaths is inefficiency of government machinery and planning.
Why were millions of vehicles allowed to enter Murree when there were not so many resources in Murree, Salik posed the question
Salik also raised the question that why the people from the administration people weren't present to help the trapped tourists in the snowstorm in difficult times.