LAHORE: The provincial government of Punjab on Saturday formed a three-member committee to investigate the stampede incident at a Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) rally in Multan which claimed at least seven lives and left 42 others injured.

The stampede had started as people began leaving from one of the three gates leading out of the stadium where the rally was being held, soon after PTI Chairman Imran Khan departed from the venue after addressing supporters.

Also read: Stampede at PTI Multan rally kills at least seven

The committee will be headed by Environment Secretary Iqbal Muhammad and other members include DIG Ali Amir Malik and Special Secretary Home Department Dr Shoaib Akhtar.

The committee will investigate the stampede from various angles and then submit a report to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

During a media briefing, Punjab government spokesman Zaeem Qadri said there had been an agreement between District Coordination Officer (DCO) Multan and the PTI that if any untoward incident took place, then the latter would be responsible.

He said the PTI administration did not have the capacity to make requisite arrangements for rallies.

Qadri expressed surprise that PTI Chairman Imran Khan considered it appropriate to go to Islamabad instead of staying in Multan after the tragic incident took place.