| Case ID |
dec42e18-d6d5-4aa4-b0cf-7f8757f1af70 |
| Body |
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| Case Number |
W.P. Nos. 91, 106, 107 & 136 of 2022 |
| Decision Date |
Nov 07, 2022 |
| Hearing Date |
Oct 26, 2022 |
| Decision |
The Lahore High Court has disposed of the petitions concerning the tragic incident in Murree on January 7, 2022, where 22 individuals lost their lives due to severe blizzard conditions. The court highlighted the mishandling of emergency response by various governmental departments, particularly the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). It noted the lack of adequate personnel and resources in the PDMA, which is critical for effective disaster management. The court emphasized the need for immediate reforms to enhance the infrastructure and coordination of government departments to prevent similar future tragedies. It also addressed concerns regarding the environmental degradation in Murree, urging the Punjab Government to take necessary action to protect the ecological system and improve the overall management of tourism and infrastructure in the area. The court firmly stated that the lack of interest and action from governmental bodies is detrimental to the public interest and fundamental rights of citizens. |
| Summary |
The case revolves around the tragic incident that occurred in Murree on January 7, 2022, where 22 tourists lost their lives due to a severe blizzard. The Lahore High Court scrutinized the actions of various government entities, including the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and other local departments, highlighting their failure to respond adequately to the emergency situation. The court pointed out the critical shortage of personnel within the PDMA, which is responsible for disaster management in the province. Despite forecasts indicating heavy snowfall, the response was inadequate, leading to catastrophic consequences. The court also addressed the environmental issues plaguing Murree, emphasizing the need for sustainable tourism management and infrastructure improvements to protect the region's ecological integrity. The decision underscores the importance of accountability and proactive measures by government bodies to safeguard public welfare and the environment. |
| Court |
Lahore High Court
|
| Entities Involved |
National Highway Authority,
Environmental Protection Agency,
Traffic Police,
PDMA,
UNDP,
TMA Murree,
Punjab Forest Department,
Punjab Wildlife Department,
National Motorway Police,
Pakistan Meteorological Department,
Punjab Tourism Department,
Rescue-1122 Department
|
| Judges |
Ch. Abdul Aziz
|
| Lawyers |
M/s. Jalil Akhtar Abbasi,
Amir Abdullah Abbasi,
Ch. Muhammad Fahad Bashir,
Qaiser Abbas Shah,
Farhat Majeed Chaudhry,
Arfan Ahmed Khan Niazi,
Haroon Rasheed Janjua,
Rashid Hanif,
Nayyer Abbas
|
| Petitioners |
,
RIZWAN ELLAHI
|
| Respondents |
Muhammad Ashraf,
PROVINCE OF PUNJAB,
Qaiser Abbas Shah,
Muhammad Rafiq,
Majeed,
Kamran Khan,
Inam-ul-Haq,
Tariq Farooq,
Masood Ahmed Abbasi,
Waqas Ahmed,
M/s. Jalil Akhtar Abbasi,
Amir Abdullah Abbasi,
Ch. Muhammad Fahad Bashir,
Farhat Majeed Chaudhry,
Arfan Ahmed Khan Niazi,
Haroon Rasheed Janjua,
Rashid Hanif,
Nayyer Abbas,
Syed Muhammad Shah,
Noor-ul-Ameen Mengal,
Asadullah Faiz,
Waseem Riaz,
Waqas Safdar Jehangri,
Dilshad Ahmed,
Muhammad Saboor,
Kamran Rashid,
Raja Saleem Ullah,
Muhammad Irfan Virk,
Muhammad Usama,
Dr. Naeem Rauf,
Hamayun Akhtar,
Syed Ali Muzaffar,
Raza Elahi,
Usama Rehmat Khan Niazi,
Junaid Mumtaz,
Arfa Batool,
Imran Zaidi,
Qasim Pervez Gondal
|
| Citations |
2024 SLD 4557 = 2024 PLJ 434
|
| Other Citations |
2018 SCMR 2051,
PLJ 2011 Magazine 384
|
| Laws Involved |
Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997,
Constitution of Pakistan, 1973
|
| Sections |
12,
9,
199,
199(1)(c)(2)
|