By: SYED SHAHABUDDIN
Commissioner Malakand Division, Abid Wazir, has termed the June 27 Swat River tragedy as a deeply painful and heartbreaking incident for the entire nation. Speaking to the media, he said that a transparent investigation is underway, and the inquiry committee has now entered its final stage.
He stated that the committee was given a one-week deadline to complete its findings. Statements from all relevant departments and officials have been recorded, and the final report will soon be submitted to the higher authorities.
“The report is expected to clearly identify those individuals and departments whose negligence or inaction contributed to the tragedy,” he said.
The Commissioner added that the district administration has also submitted its own detailed report to the provincial government. This report highlights possible administrative shortcomings, delayed emergency responses, and the lack of adequate preventive safety measures.
Following the incident, Abid Wazir said, the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ordered a large-scale anti-encroachment operation along the banks of the Swat River. So far, over 70 illegally built structures have been demolished, and more than 150 kanals of land have been reclaimed.
“These structures were constructed illegally within the flood zones of the river and posed a direct threat to human lives,” the commissioner said. “This is not just a matter of land encroachment — it is about public safety and the protection of human lives.”
He further revealed that the government is now planning to install Early Warning Systems in vulnerable areas to provide timely alerts in case of natural disasters, floods, or heavy rainfall. This step, he said, would help prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
Commissioner Abid Wazir emphasized that ensuring the safety and convenience of tourists remains the administration’s top priority. He assured that actions against unlawful activities will not harm the region’s tourism and hospitality industry.
“We warmly welcome tourists to Swat and are developing an information system that will alert them in advance about weather conditions, river water levels, landslides, and other potential risks,” he said.
The commissioner noted that the upcoming inquiry report will make it clear which departments or individuals failed in their responsibilities at the time of the incident. Legal action will be taken accordingly, to ensure such tragedies are not repeated due to negligence.
He concluded with an appeal to the public to cooperate with the administration, avoid encroachment, and support ongoing efforts for safer tourism. “Let us collectively work to preserve Swat’s beauty and ensure that it continues to symbolize peace, prosperity, and harmony,”
