A high-level meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz reviewed the Bhati Chowk incident. She strongly reprimanded the Lahore commissioner, deputy commissioner, and other officials, rejecting their explanations and personally debunking what she termed fake news surrounding the tragedy.
The chief minister said the Bhati Gate incident was no less than murder. She held the commissioner, deputy commissioner, MD WASA, DG LDA, and all related departments responsible, directing that a strict case be built over their criminal negligence.
Maryam Nawaz questioned the officials’ sense of responsibility, saying ten departments were present but none had answers. She said if it had been her or their daughter, the entire system would have shaken. She expressed regret that instead of showing sympathy, the affected family was taken to a police station.
Defending Uzma Bukhari, the chief minister clarified that she had no connection to the incident and had only shared the information provided to her.
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Maryam Nawaz criticized the assistant commissioner for failing to even visit the construction site, calling it unacceptable negligence. She said clear instructions are repeatedly given to ensure no manholes remain open, yet extreme carelessness led to the loss of two precious lives.
The Punjab CM directed the inspector general police to arrest six officials, including the project in-charge. Arrest orders were issued for Usman Yasin, safety in-charge Daniyal, project manager Ahmed Nawaz, and Asghar Sindhu.
She also ordered the dismissal of TEPA project director Zahid Hussain and WASA’s Usman Babar, stating they should never be given government jobs again. Both were also ordered to be arrested. Maryam Nawaz announced that the affected family would receive Rs100,000,000 from the contractor as compensation.
The incident exposes deep administrative failure and lack of accountability. Strong action sends a clear message that negligence will not be tolerated. The compensation decision shows an effort to support the grieving family. Long-term reforms remain crucial to prevent such tragedies.
