A bus transporting Punjab Police personnel returning from election duty in Gilgit-Baltistan met with an accident on the Karakoram Highway near Chilas, resulting in injuries to several officers and officials. Fortunately, the vehicle narrowly avoided plunging into a deep ravine and the Indus River, preventing what could have been a major tragedy.
Accident Details
According to official sources, the bus was carrying police officers from the Gujranwala Region who had been deployed in Gilgit-Baltistan for security duties during the recently concluded general elections. After completing their assignments, the personnel were traveling back to their respective districts when the accident occurred near Chilas.
Rescue teams and local administration officials rushed to the scene immediately after receiving reports of the accident. The injured personnel were shifted to nearby hospitals, where they received medical treatment and emergency care. Authorities confirmed that while several officers sustained injuries, no fatalities were reported.
Officials further confirmed that personnel from the Patrolling Police in Lodhran, who were also part of the returning contingent, remained safe. The fact that the bus did not fall into the adjacent gorge or the fast-flowing Indus River averted a potentially devastating disaster.
Stranded Personnel Concerns
Meanwhile, concerns have emerged regarding police personnel from other provinces who were deployed in various districts of Gilgit-Baltistan for election security duties. Several Sindh Police officials stationed in the Diamer district have reportedly faced serious difficulties following the completion of their assignments.
According to the protesting personnel, they have exhausted their travel allowances and daily expenses after remaining stranded for several days. They further claimed that they had been asked to vacate the schools and temporary facilities where they had been accommodated during election duty.
The affected officers appealed to senior police officials and the Sindh government to take immediate notice of the situation and ensure their safe and timely return to their home province. In response, police authorities reportedly took notice of the matter and assured personnel that necessary arrangements were being made to resolve issues related to transportation and temporary accommodation. Officials stated that efforts were underway to facilitate the return of all stranded personnel to their respective provinces as soon as possible.
Inquiry Launched
Authorities have launched an inquiry into the Chilas bus accident to determine its causes and recommend measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.
