Swat tragedy: Probe report highlights failures in system

PESHAWAR: A 384-page inquiry report, prepared by a committee formed by the provincial government to probe the Swat flash floods deaths, highlighted systemic flaws and administrative negligence as key factors behind the disaster.

The report into the Swat tragedy, which had claimed 17 lives, was submitted to the Peshawar High Court on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on June 27, when a group of tourists from Daska, Punjab, were swept away by flash floods in the Swat River due to a lack of timely rescue operations. The tragedy prompted the filing of multiple writ petitions in the Peshawar High Court, accusing the government and relevant departments of negligence and indifference.

Peshawar High Court Chief Justice SM Atique Shah had ordered a transparent investigation, following which the provincial government assigned the probe to the Provincial Inspection Team. The team submitted a detailed report to the court.

According to sources, the report documented statements from 10 government officials and responsible individuals. It included a comprehensive account of government actions before and after the incident, disciplinary measures taken, flood preparedness, and the systemic shortcomings that contributed to the tragedy.

The report noted that three days after the incident, the chief minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ordered an anti-encroachment drive in the region. It also included copies of early weather alerts issued prior to the floods.

The Provincial Inspection Team had earlier submitted its findings to the chief minister, holding the district administration, irrigation department, local government, and rescue services responsible.

The report highlighted a lack of coordination between departments, ambiguity in building plans and encroachment regulations, and negligence on the part of hotel owners.

Acting on these findings, the chief minister formed a special committee to implement the recommended actions and hold those responsible accountable.

Following the incident, the deputy commissioner of Swat and three assistant commissioners were either suspended or made Officers on Special Duty (OSD). The report concluded that institutional disconnection among relevant agencies played a significant role in the high death toll.