Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid) leaders Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Pervaiz Elahi and Moonis Elahi have expressed a deep sense of sorrow over Murree tragedy and extended their heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families who lost their near and dear ones, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Saturday.

PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat said we share the sorrow of the aggrieved families insisting that the matter be investigated at the highest level.

The former premier added if there is any negligence on the part of the administration, it should be punished severely.

Efforts should be intensified to evacuate stranded tourists and vehicles in Murree and Galyat, said Ch Shujaat.

Meanwhile, Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi said it is a great tragedy that the people who were heading to Murree for having fun have lost their lives due to heavy snowfall and the worst traffic snarl. 

The speaker said the administration should have known what safety and traffic measures were needed there.

He said the tragedy has brought sorrow and grief for every Pakistani.

However, Pervaiz Elahi appreciated the efforts of Pakistan Army, FC and Rescue 1122 in this regard.

Moonis Elahi regretted that so far 21 people have lost their lives which is very painful. He expressed his prayers and hoped that the trapped people reach their homes as soon as possible.

It is pertinent to mention that at least 21 tourists including women and children froze to death as Army, Frontier Corps and Rangers were called in to rescue thousands of tourists stranded in the frosty cold of Murree and Galyat after the authorities imposed an emergency in the hill station declaring it a calamity-hit area.

Reporter Umar Aslam