Swat River tragedy: No leniency for negligence, says minister

MINGORA: Khyber Pakh­tunkhwa Minister for Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives Fazal Hakim Khan Yousafzai on Friday termed the recent Swat River tragedy a deeply distressing incident that had saddened the entire nation.

Talking to media representatives here, the minister said that no leniency would be shown to those responsible for negligence during the flash flood situation that led to the loss of precious lives. PTI Mingora City president Haider Ali Khan, chairmen Habibullah, Ziaul Haq Tajik, Suhrab Khan, Niamat Shah and other party activists were also present on the occasion.

Fazal Hakim said that several officers have already been suspended and formal inquiries have been initiated against the departments and officials found to be negligent. “There is no compensation for the loss of human life, but we are determined to hold accountable all those who failed in their duties,” he added.

Fazal Hakim announced that the government would invite local elders to form a representative committee to collaborate with the administration to address public grievances and ensure such incidents were not repeated in the future.

He cautioned against politicising the anti-encroachment operation that has followed the tragedy. “This is not the time for political point-scoring. We urge community leaders to sit with the government and jointly find a sustainable solution,” he said. “If any individual has been wronged during the operation, we are ready to provide full support and compensation,” he added.

Taking a swipe at the federal coalition, he said that members of the PDM-led government never recall similar tragedies in Punjab or Sindh, but are quick to politicize a natural disaster in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “This is a time for unity, not division,” he stressed.

Fazal Hakim said that all actions were being taken in line with the vision of PTI founder Imran Khan and that no one would be treated unfairly. He reiterated that transparent investigations into the incident were ongoing, and those responsible would be brought to justice.“This is not about personal enmities or targeting anyone,” he concluded.