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PESHAWAR, Jul 11 (APP):The Provincial Inspection Team has completed its inquiry report on the Swat incident and submitted the 63-page document to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur.
The report identifies systemic flaws in how such incidents are managed and includes recommendations for corrective measures.
Government officials and personnel found negligent in their duties regarding the Swat tragedy have been named, with the report recommending disciplinary action against them.
The Chief Minister has approved disciplinary actions based on the findings. Relevant departments, including the District Administration, Irrigation Department, Local Government, and Rescue 1122, have been directed to complete legal formalities and initiate proceedings within 60 days. Additionally, departments identified for systemic shortcomings must implement corrective measures within 30 days, including issuing new protocols and regulatory frameworks.
A comprehensive framework for river safety and building regulations will be prepared within the same timeframe, with new laws to be enforced immediately.
An oversight committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, will be formed to ensure the report’s recommendations are implemented.
The committee will convert recommendations into actionable KPIs, submit monthly progress reports to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, and integrate river safety modules into the next monsoon contingency plan. It will also oversee fast-track implementation of measures to enhance Rescue 1122’s capacity. Meanwhile, the Information, Relief, and Tourism Departments will launch large-scale public awareness campaigns across the province.
Key findings from the report reveal that advisories from the PDMA and District Administration were not effectively implemented, while poor coordination among police, revenue, irrigation, rescue, and tourism police exacerbated the situation.
The early warning system was inactive, delaying flood communication. Building regulations and encroachment policies were unclear, and hotel owners failed to inform tourists of hazards. Rescue 1122 faced delays due to inadequate staff and equipment.
The report also highlighted the absence of defined departmental responsibilities for riverbank safety, unclassified risk zones for riverside tourist areas, and weak enforcement of Section 144.
Following the incident, the government launched a province-wide crackdown on riverbank encroachments.
In the past ten days, 127 illegal buildings were sealed, constructions on 682 kanal were demolished, and encroachments on 1,874 kanal were identified, with 1,019 kanal cleared. Additionally, 609 km of riverbed was demarcated, with 174 barriers installed.
The Chief Minister also approved the River Rescue Plan, allocating funds for 36 prefabricated rescue stations (Rs. 66 million), modern rescue equipment (Rs. 739 million), 70 compact rescue stations (Rs. 608 million), and a digital monitoring system (Rs. 200 million). Coordination between Rescue 1122 and district administration has since been improved.