Alarming details have surfaced in the initial investigation into the recent Swat River tragedy, with official sources confirming that warnings about glacier outbursts and rain-induced flooding had been issued well in advance.
However, a combination of government negligence, illegal hotel encroachments, and administrative inaction led to a catastrophic outcome that claimed several lives.
According to the initial report, Section 144 had been imposed in the vulnerable areas of Swat following glacier eruption alerts. Authorities had also instructed hotel owners, especially those with establishments along the riverbanks, to avoid building seating areas or structures within the river channel. Despite the directives, several hotels brazenly set up charpoys and chairs in the river for tourists, ignoring the hazard warnings.
Sources claim that a turf war among various government departments led to confusion over who was responsible for stopping these illegal riverfront setups. Police and district administration are also being accused of gross negligence in enforcing safety measures.
Also Read: 18 tourists swept away in Swat River flash floods
As per the report, many of the encroaching hotels are reportedly owned by politically influential individuals, making it difficult for local authorities to take any concrete action against them.
Swat DC sacked
Following the tragic incident, the suspension and removal of government officers continues. Swat Deputy Commissioner Shahzad Mehboob has been suspended, bringing the total number of suspended officials to five, including four administrative officers and one Rescue 1122 official.
According to a statement issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Administration Department, the KP chief secretary has removed DC Shahzad Mehboob from his post in the public interest. He has been replaced by Grade-18 PMS officer Saleem Jan, who was previously awaiting appointment.
Also Read: Swat River tragedy: 10 bodies recovered, search continues for three others
The development was also confirmed by MPA Akhtar Khan.
Earlier, the provincial government had also suspended the additional deputy commissioner of Swat, two assistant commissioners, and the in-charge of Rescue 1122 Swat. These actions were taken due to the failure of the officials to rescue 13 people who were tragically swept away by the Swat River a day earlier.
Eyewitness account
Eyewitnesses said that when the floodwaters rushed in, many guests were taking selfies in the middle of the river. As the water levels surged, people trapped in the river were heard screaming for help. “They kept asking to be rescued, but the rescuers said they had no resources,” said a local witness. “One by one, the water swept them away.”
Order to demolish hotels on Swat River bank
In the wake of the incident, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has issued a series of urgent directives, according to his spokesman, including:
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Installing barriers along the Swat River
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Increase daily patrolling on the banks of Swat River and tourist spots
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An immediate halt to soil excavation near the river
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Demolition of all unauthorized hotels and encroachments without any discrimination
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Mandatory NOCs for hotels near riverbanks
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High alert orders to the Irrigation Department to ensure preventive measures
Also Read: PDMA reports 11 deaths, 35 injuries amid monsoon rains in Punjab
The district administration has been tasked with clearing encroachments within three days.
Kundi demands CM resign
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has strongly condemned the incident, calling it a result of provincial government’s "insensitivity and incompetence."
In a scathing statement, he said: “My heart weeps over this tragedy. Only junior officers like the assistant commissioner and rescue teams are being blamed, while the actual responsibility lies with the Ministry of Tourism and the chief minister himself.”
“The hotel that placed cots in the river is responsible, and so is its entire management. The chief minister must resign,” the governor demanded.
