Swat Tragedy Probe Reveals Negligence: PHC Orders Accountability

PESHAWAR: The inspection team’s chairman, investigating the recent unfortunate incident in Swat, conveyed to the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday that multiple government bodies displayed negligence.

During the court session, authorities involved in the investigation of the tourist drowning in the Swat River provided updates.

The chairman informed the court that the inquiry clearly indicated departmental negligence. Consequently, PHC Chief Justice Mohammad Ibrahim Khan mandated the immediate identification of all responsible parties.

The incident transpired last Friday when a family of 17 from Sialkot was caught in a sudden surge in the Swat River while they were enjoying a picnic.

Distressing videos that went viral on social media displayed the family stranded on a small piece of land, pleading for help for almost an hour without any immediate rescue efforts. To date, 12 bodies have been recovered from the river.

Addressing Commissioner of Hazara, Fayaz Ali Shah, Justice Khan inquired about the steps taken to ensure visitor safety in Hazara and the available medical resources for emergencies.

Commissioner Shah stated that Section 144 was in effect in tourist zones, an anti-encroachment initiative was underway, and more personnel had been assigned to Nathia Gali hospital.

The court further inquired about the new measures for emergency preparedness following the Swat incident. Justice Khan questioned whether drones could be utilized for rapid response in similar future events.

Commissioner Shah responded that drones capable of delivering life jackets had been acquired. The court instructed immediate testing and drills to assess their readiness and response time.

The Chief Justice stressed the need to provide tourists with a secure environment. The RPO Hazara assured the court of close coordination between the police and rescue teams to achieve this goal.

The court directed both the Commissioner and RPO of Malakand to submit comprehensive reports, encompassing the complete Swat incident investigation.

Separately, Director General of Rescue 1122 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shah Fahad, appeared before the Swat incident inquiry committee. He was asked about his location during the incident and the specifics of the rescue attempts.

Fahad stated he was in Peshawar at the time. He mentioned that on June 27, rescue operations took place across Swat to aid those affected by floods, with numerous individuals reportedly rescued.

He reported that the emergency call came in at 9:45am, and an ambulance was promptly dispatched, but the initial call did not suggest a flood-related emergency.

He further explained that divers, boats, and other equipment were deployed. Three visitors were saved from the Swat River close to Mingora Bypass Road. He also verified that rescue personnel associated with the incident had been suspended, and an internal investigation was being conducted.