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The chairman of the inspection team investigating the Swat tragedy has admitted before the Peshawar High Court that multiple departments were found negligent in the incident.
The remarks were made during the court hearing on the case related to the recent Swat tragedy, which claimed several lives due to flooding in the Swat River.
During the proceedings, officials involved in the investigation appeared before the court. The chairman of the inspection team informed the bench that the inquiry into the Swat River incident is ongoing and has revealed departmental shortcomings.
In response, Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court instructed that those responsible for the negligence be identified without delay.
The Chief Justice also questioned the Commissioner of Hazara about the measures in place for tourist safety in the region. "What arrangements do you have in case of a medical emergency?" the Chief Justice asked.
The Commissioner responded that Section 144 has been enforced, operations against encroachments are underway, and additional staff has been deployed at Nathia Gali Hospital.
The court further inquired about the emergency response plans implemented after the Swat incident. “If a similar situation occurs, is immediate response through drones possible?” asked the Chief Justice. The Commissioner stated that drones capable of delivering life jackets have been procured.
The court directed that the drones be tested in trial exercises to determine their efficiency in real emergencies, emphasizing the importance of ensuring they do not fail at critical moments.
The Chief Justice stressed the need to provide a safe and secure environment for tourists. In response, the Regional Police Officer (RPO) of Hazara assured the court that police and rescue services are coordinating effectively.
Later, the court instructed the Commissioner of Malakand and the RPO to submit detailed reports on the incident and to present the findings of the investigation into the Swat tragedy.
DG Rescue Appears Before Inquiry Committee
Meanwhile, Director General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rescue 1122, Shah Fahad, appeared before the Swat tragedy inquiry committee.
He was questioned about his whereabouts at the time of the incident and the steps taken by rescue teams to assist stranded individuals.
Shah Fahad stated that he was in Peshawar on the day of the incident, June 27. He added that multiple rescue operations were carried out across Swat to assist people trapped in floodwaters, saving dozens of lives.
A distress call was received at 9:45 AM, and an ambulance reached the site, although the nature of the emergency was initially unclear.
He further explained that divers, boats, and other equipment were dispatched to the scene. Divers successfully rescued three tourists from the Swat River near Mingora Bypass Road.
He also noted that some rescue personnel were suspended following the tragedy, and an internal inquiry is currently underway to assess the response lapses.
