By: SYED SHAHABUDDIN
The death toll from the tragic incident in River Swat has risen to 11 as rescue teams have recovered the dead-bodies, while the search for two missing persons continues for a second consecutive day.
According to Rescue 1122 spokesperson Waqar Khan, the operation conducted with the help of divers and local volunteers has so far led to the recovery of 11 bodies out of 17 people swept away by a sudden flash flood. Four individuals were rescued alive.
” Among the deceased, nine were from Daska, Sialkot, and two were residents of Mardan. The two missing individuals also belong to Sialkot and Mardan, respectively,” Waqar said.
Following the incident, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, district administration, and rescue agencies have come under heavy public criticism. On the directive of the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah paid an emergency visit to Swat, inspected the site of the tragedy, and held accountability meetings with concerned officials.
He also announced a financial compensation of PKR 1.5 million per deceased individual and ordered Rescue 1122 to be equipped with drones, life-saving jackets, and modern equipment.
Speaking to the media, the Chief Secretary revealed that a three-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the incident. The committee comprising Khayam Hassan (Chairman Provincial Inspection Team), Muhammad Usman (Inspector General Prisons), and Shehryar Qamar (Director Admin, Excise and Taxation) has been tasked with submitting a report within seven days after visiting the site and evaluating evidence.
In light of preliminary findings and growing public pressure, the government has suspended several officials, including the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief), Assistant Commissioner Babuzai, Assistant Commissioner Khwazakhela, and the District In-charge of Rescue 1122. Furthermore, Deputy Commissioner Shehzad Mehboob has been removed from office and replaced by Saleem Jan.
Meanwhile, widespread public protests erupted in Nishat Chowk, Green Chowk, and the Mingora Bypass. Protesters denounced the incident as “murder” and demanded the registration of FIRs against the Chief Minister and all responsible officers.
“Notable figures such as Abdul Rahim (President, Malakand Traders Federation), JUI’s district Amir Maulana Syed Qamar, Dr. Amjad Ali, Sanaullah Khan, and political activist Speen Khan addressed the demonstrators'””
Eyewitnesses reported that tourists were taking selfies in the middle of the river when the sudden flood struck, and rescue teams failed to arrive in time. “Civil Defense volunteer Ihsanullah described the event as a complete administrative failure,”
The IrrigationExpert Anwaar Khan stated that the sudden flood was caused by heavy rain, melting glaciers, and lightning in the upper regions of Swat, where more than a dozen streams flow into River Swat, often resulting in sudden flash floods.
In a separate incident in Utror Valley, a man named Jalal slipped and fell into the river. His body has yet to be recovered. Additionally, the body of 21-year-old Ehsanullah from Chaliyar, Khwazakhela was found on the second day of search operations. Despite Section 144 being imposed, people continued to access riverbanks, leading to such fatal accidents.
Experts have urged the government to implement an effective early warning system in tourist areas, upgrade rescue services, and launch public awareness campaigns to prevent such tragedies in the future.
