PESHAWAR: The search continued into its eleventh day for a young individual who, alongside 17 others, was swept away by the Swat River. Investigations have revealed that the group of tourists entered the river through an unauthorized path, despite warnings from hotel security.

Malakand Division Commissioner Abid Wazir, in a report submitted to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s inquiry committee, stated that all relevant agencies had been alerted to the potential flood threat. This report followed the June 27 incident, where 17 individuals from Sialkot and Mardan were caught in a sudden river surge while picnicking near the riverbank.

Distressing footage shared on social media depicted the family stranded on a rapidly diminishing landmass, pleading for assistance for nearly an hour without immediate aid. To date, 12 bodies have been recovered, four individuals have been rescued, and one remains missing.

Details of the Incident

Commissioner Wazir elaborated that the water level in the Swat River surged to 77,782 cusecs due to substantial rainfall.

“The rescue service was contacted at 9:45 am as the river’s water level increased, and they arrived at the scene approximately 20 minutes later, at 10:05 am,” he stated, addressing questions about the events of June 27.

The inquiry committee also explored measures to enhance tourism safety and prevent similar incidents.

Upper Swat Development Authority’s Role

“Tourism is a distinct sector and not under the jurisdiction of the tehsil municipal administration. The Upper Swat Development Authority should oversee tourism in Swat,” the official noted.

Regarding flood prevention, Wazir mentioned ongoing efforts to establish an early warning system, with collaborations involving Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Crackdown on Illegal Constructions

The KP government’s inquiry report on anti-encroachment efforts in the Malakand Division exposed 203 illegal constructions spanning 501 kanals across six districts, with 78 kanals already cleared.

  • Action has been taken against encroachments in Swat, Bajur, Buner, and Dir.
  • 61 buildings were sealed across six districts in Malakand Division between June 30 and July 4.

In Swat, one building was sealed, and illegal constructions covering over 20 kanals were dismantled.

“More than 8 kilometres have been demarcated in Swat,” the report stated, adding that over 115 kilometres had been demarcated in total, with fences erected at 54 locations.

Furthermore, 15 buildings were sealed in Bajur, nine in Buner, 22 in Lower Dir, 10 in Upper Dir, and four in Malakand District.

Encroachments on over 75 kanals have been removed, bringing the total area cleared to over 162 kanals.

Commissioner Wazir confirmed that strict measures are being enforced against encroachments in the Malakand Division, following directives from Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who has instructed against granting any concessions in this matter.