KP PPP asks Gandapur to step down over Swat tragedy

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Monday sought the resignation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur over the drowning of tourists in Swat River.

Addressing a press conference at the PPP Central Secretariat here, PPP Secretary General Humayun Khan, PPP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha, and General Secretary Shazi Khan strongly condemned the tragic incident and held the provincial administration responsible for the incident. Humayun said the unfortunate incident was a direct consequence of administrative negligence.

“While the PPP expressed its condolences and condemned the incident, it is the provincial government that must take moral responsibility and step down,” he said.

He noted that the Punjab governor and chairperson Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) had visited the homes of the victims to offer condolences. Additionally, the governor announced rewards and Umrah tickets for those who attempted to rescue the tourists. He said according to the inquiry report, Rescue 1122 personnel and the district administration were found responsible for mishandling the situation.

“Back in the 2010 floods, it was the PPP-led provincial government that deployed helicopters to rescue people. Today’s administration failed miserably,” Humayun said and further alleged that the political appointments in Rescue 1122 had undermined its performance. Criticising the PTI’s 12-year rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Humayun said the province had witnessed rampant deforestation and had fallen under the influence of “timber mafia.” Replying to a question, he said there was no objection to Imran Khan’s sons visiting Pakistan as long as the law was respected.

“Anyone can come to Pakistan — there is no issue, provided they do not take the law into their own hands,” he said. Muhammad Ali Shah Bacha said KP had been under a “non-serious” government for the past 13 years.

“The responsibility for the Swat tragedy lies not just with the district administration and Rescue Department, but also with the Tourism Department and the Irrigation Ministry,” he emphasised.