ISLAMABAD, Aug 5: Former prime minister Benazir Bhutto on Monday expressed grief and shock over the death of about 50 people and injuries to many others in an incident in a village of Darel tehsil of Diamir district on Sunday.

In a message from London, Ms Bhutto said she was grieved and shocked over the tragedy.

She asked the government to immediately step up the rescue operations and rush relief supplies to the village.

She demanded payment of compensation to the victims.

She demanded that an inquiry should be held to determine the cause of the fire and take remedial measures. She said the incident was the result of negligence and failure of the government in establishing its writ.

She directed the Pakistan People’s Party leadership to send a delegation to the affected village to condole with the bereaved families and extend all possible help to them.

She prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls, fortitude to the bereaved families and early recovery of the injured.