Peshawar, July 12, 2025 :The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has launched disciplinary action against officials from multiple departments following a damning probe into the Swat River tragedy, which claimed 14 lives, including 10 from one family, on June 27.
According to Dawn, a 63-page report submitted by the Provincial Inspection Team (PIT) found “serious negligence” and a lack of coordination between the district administration, Rescue 1122, and departments of irrigation and local government, which contributed to the disaster.
The incident occurred when flash floods, triggered by heavy rains, swept away tourists and locals near the Swat River.
Key findings of the PIT report include:
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Weather warnings issued by the PDMA and district administration were not properly acted upon.
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Coordination was lacking among police, revenue, irrigation, rescue, and tourism departments.
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Early warning systems malfunctioned, causing delays in communicating the flood risk.
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Rescue 1122 lacked trained personnel and essential equipment, hampering emergency response.
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Hotel operators failed to warn tourists, and Section 144 restrictions were poorly enforced.
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No SOPs existed at the district level to manage riverside risks during monsoon.
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Encroachments and illegal constructions along riverbanks were widespread and unregulated.
The report also flagged ambiguous building approval processes and weak enforcement mechanisms, calling for a special law to regulate riverbank development.
Following the findings, Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur ordered immediate disciplinary proceedings against negligent officers, to be completed within 60 days. A high-level oversight committee, chaired by the KP chief secretary, will monitor implementation of reforms and convert recommendations into measurable performance indicators.
As part of preventive measures:
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A province-wide public awareness campaign will be launched.
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River safety modules will be added to the monsoon contingency plan.
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Rescue 1122’s capacity will be upgraded.
In response to the tragedy, the government has already sealed 127 illegal buildings, demolished encroachments over 682 kanals, and cleared a total of 1,019 kanals of the 1,874 identified. Demarcation has been completed across 609 km of riverbeds, with 174 barriers installed to prevent further encroachment.
