THIS refers to the article ‘State in absentia’ (July 3). I would like to add that blame goes to the district police, in general, and SHO of that area in particular for Ahmadpur East tragedy.

Perhaps mob control is not the job of motorway police. Controlling masses on roads is the duty of the regular police. Reportedly, loudspeakers of mosques were used and an announcement was made in which people were asked to collect fuel as a divine gift for Eid.

The absence of medical facilities like burns unit on the motorway multiplied death toll. Had there been first aid facilities many lives would have been saved. Army helicopters were used to transport the victims to hospitals.

Last but not least, media’s role was negative. Amateur videos were broadcast in which a man lighting a cigarette was accused of starting the fire without verifying it from the survivors.

In Pakistan, mob justice has resulted in brutal murders. Displaying images of the so-called accused without verification would have caused loss of another life. Race for ‘breaking news’ and ratings in the electronic media should have been blamed had there been mob lynching of that ‘accused’.

In the greater interest of public safety, a larger bench of judges should be established to conduct an inquiry into the incident. The death of almost 200 people should not be brushed under the carpet. All stakeholders, including transporters, SHO and survivors, should be questioned about the cause of the tragedy.

Besides, standard operating procedures should be established under which the motorway police, district health administrations and disaster management bodies should be asked to coordinate in case of an emergency to save lives and ensure the presence of state.

Syed Zakir Ali Shah

Jamshoro

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2017