The Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz made a helicopter trip to Kartarpur on Thursday and was not accompanied by a motorcade at the time of an accident that resulted in the death of a young man in Narowal, stated the provincial government on Friday.
A spokesperson mentioned that the CM took immediate notice of the tragic incident and instructed prompt action, including the identification of the vehicle involved in the accident and the apprehension of those responsible.
Police, under the CM’s directives, have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the man’s demise.
According to initial reports and eyewitness testimonies, 23-year-old filling station worker Muhammad Abubakar lost his life after allegedly being struck by an Elite Force vehicle purportedly part of the chief minister’s convoy.
The unfortunate incident occurred at the Chandowal Stop on the Shakargarh Road, en route to Kartarpur, where the CM had attended Baisakhi celebrations earlier that day. However, the government has refuted these claims.
Meanwhile, Abubakar was laid to rest in his hometown following funeral prayers.
Narowal DSP Malik Muhammad Khalil stated that they had obtained CCTV footage of the incident, indicating that Abubakar fell to the ground after being hit by an unidentified motorcyclist before colliding with a government vehicle, resulting in his fatal injuries.
DPO Naveed Malik mentioned that efforts were underway to locate the unidentified motorcyclist, but no information had been received so far. He also informed that a departmental inquiry had been initiated against the driver of the government vehicle involved in the accident.
DC Syed Hasan Raza informed that a proposal had been forwarded to the government for providing financial assistance to the deceased’s family.
However, Ali Rizwan, a cousin of the deceased, informed Dawn that nobody from the government had reached out to the family.
