Heads roll over Swat river tragedy
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has removed top officials of Rescue department and Upper Swat Development Authority following the recent drowning of tourists in the Swat River, said officials on Tuesday.
The provincial inspection team submitted a report blaming the Swat Development Authority for administrative delays, reported Express News.
The report also raised concerns over the DG Rescue's lack of technical expertise in handling such emergencies.
The incident, in which several tourists drowned due to a delayed rescue operation, had already led the provincial government to suspend six officers earlier.
As part of the latest action, K-P Rescue DG's services have been handed over to the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA), while the Swat Development Authority DG has been removed from his seat and assigned a non-operational role, effectively removing him from active administrative duties.
Commissioner's findings
The decisions follow a detailed report submitted by the Malakand commissioner to an inquiry committee investigating the mishandling of the rescue operation.
The Swat tragedy has sparked criticism over lack of emergency preparedness in the region, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The provincial government's disciplinary action underscores growing concerns over tourism safety and crisis response mechanisms in the area.
According to official reports, 17 tourists — 10 from Sialkot, six from Mardan, and one resident — were caught in floodwaters after entering the river in Khwazakhela despite visible risks.
Four tourists were rescued, while 12 bodies were recovered. Rescue efforts for one missing person are ongoing.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) described the flood level as "very high". The sudden surge raised the Swat River's flow from 6,738 to 77,782 cusecs within hours, leaving little chance for those trapped to return to safety.
An investigation revealed that nearby construction along the river had altered its natural flow, causing deceptively low water levels at the site.
This misled the tourists and they entered the river. A hotel security guard reportedly tried to stop them, but they bypassed the main entrance and accessed the river through the back. Within 14 minutes of entering, rising water levels prompted a distress call at 9.45am.
Rescue teams arrived at 10.05am — 20 minutes after the call. Before the incident, early flood alerts had been issued by the irrigation department at 8.41am.
Formal warnings were sent to the deputy commissioners of Swat, Charsadda and Nowshera, as well as PDMA and other relevant authorities. A formal flood alert followed at 10.30am.
The report noted that Section 144, prohibiting swimming and boating in the Swat River, had been imposed from 24 June, but enforcement remained lax
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