Swat flood deaths: PHC orders AG to submit report on safety measures

PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday directed the advocate general to present a report detailing what safety measures had been taken to protect tourists since the June 27 drowning of tourists in Swat.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice SM Attique Shah and Justice Faheem Wali, while hearing the case, issued a 22-page written order in response to a petition filed over the tragic drowning of 17 tourists in Swat.

According to the court order, the incident occurred on June 27 when 17 precious lives were lost as a result of drowning in the Swat River.

The petitioner alleged that the tragedy occurred due to the negligence of the local administration. In response, an inquiry committee was formed, and the chairman of the committee appeared before the court following judicial orders.

The court was informed that the inquiry into the incident would be completed within seven days and a report would be submitted to the government.

The court directed that the inquiry be conducted transparently, fearlessly and without discrimination, and that the findings be submitted to the court within 14 days.

The written order also directed the advocate general to present a report detailing what safety measures had been taken to protect tourists since the incident.

Furthermore, the court asked for information on steps taken by the district administration, police, and Rescue 1122 to prevent such tragedies in the future.

During the hearing, the petitioner’s counsel claimed that despite the availability of two helicopters, no effort was made to rescue the drowning tourists. He argued that the weather was clear on the day of the incident, yet the helicopters were not used for rescue operations.

In response, the court instructed the additional attorney general to obtain a report from the Civil Aviation Authority and present it before the bench. The court stated that no final conclusions can be drawn until the completion of the inquiry.