Initial probe into Swat tragedy shows depts’ negligence, PHC told

PESHAWAR: Ordering the immediate removal of all encroachments along the riverbanks, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Thursday sought a detailed report from the chairman of inquiry committee formed to investigate the Swat River tragedy.

The case was heard by a two-member bench comprising Chief Justice SM Attique Shah and Justice Faheem Wali.

All divisional commissioners, RPOs, chairman of the Inquiry Committee Khayam Hassan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel, petitioners’ counsels Babar Khan and Nasir Khan advocates appeared in the court.

Chief Justice Shah asked about the status of the inquiry and asked the inquiry committee chairman to provide details of the probe. The committee chairman informed the court that the team visited the site after the incident and was in the process of finalising its report, which was due within seven days. He added that preliminary findings indicated serious negligence on the part of various government departments.

The court directed the commissioner and RPO of Malakand Division to submit a comprehensive report on the safety measures in place for tourists in the region.

The petitioners counsel also informed the court that helicopters were available for rescue and aviation reports confirmed that flying was possible at the time, implying that immediate rescue efforts could have been undertaken.