Swat: In the wake of a devastating incident that claimed 10 lives due to a flash flood in Swat, civil society staged a protest today in Nishat Chowk, Swat, condemning what they call administrative and governmental negligence.
Demonstrators placed the blame for the tragedy squarely on the district administration and provincial government, demanding that an FIR be lodged against those responsible for the incident.
Prominent political activist from Swat, Fawad Khan, told Human Online that "such incidents occur almost every year in the region. Yet, no preventive measures are taken by the government to save lives," he said, criticizing the authorities for their consistent inaction.
The tragic incident occurred on Friday when a family from Daska, Punjab, visiting Swat and nearby hill stations, was swept away by a flash flood in the Swat River.
Bilal Faizi -spokesperson of rescue 1122- tol Human Online on Friday that a total of 16 people were caught in the floodwaters. Three were rescued, while the bodies of 10 victims have been recovered. Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Relief, Nek Muhammad, stated that a search operation by Rescue 1122 is actively underway near the Swat Bypass. He also confirmed that four senior officials have been suspended and a formal inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the matter. The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within seven days.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahab Ali Shah, visited flood-affected areas in Swat. He announced the launch of a crackdown on illegal encroachments along riverbanks and within riverbeds. He affirmed that the investigation team has arrived in Swat and those found negligent will be held accountable.
In a separate press conference, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari sharply criticized the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, blaming it for the tragic loss of life. She highlighted that similar incidents have occurred previously without any remedial action.
Bukhari alleged mismanagement of billions of rupees in the province, claiming the funds are neither being used for infrastructure, tourism, hospitals, nor educational institutions. She further accused the PTI-led provincial government of politically motivated appointments in Rescue 1122, stating that the personnel lacked both relevant knowledge and training.
She also raised concerns about the unchecked construction of hotels along the Swat River, questioning under whose authorization these structures were allowed to be built over the past eight years.
