Several officials suspended in Swat over negligence following tragic incident

75 caught in Swat river floods; rescue efforts recover 58, 10 missing, says initial report
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
On the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, several government officials have been immediately suspended for poor performance and negligence in response to the recent tragic drowning incident in the Swat River flash flooding.
According to the Chief Minister’s spokesperson, Faraz Ahmed Mughal, the Chief Minister has instructed the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team (CMIT) to conduct a formal inquiry into the incident and assess the failures of the concerned departments.
Among those suspended were Assistant Commissioner (AC) Babuzai, who was removed from duty for a delayed response to the emergency situation, and AC Khwaza Khela, who failed to issue timely advance warnings.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Relief was also suspended for not making the necessary preemptive arrangements despite warnings of potential flooding.
In addition, the district in-charge of Rescue 1122 Swat has been suspended with immediate effect for failing to ensure adequate emergency preparedness and response.
According to a preliminary report issued by the KP government, flash floods struck various areas along the Swat River early Friday morning, trapping dozens of people and resulting in multiple casualties.
At approximately 8:30 AM, 18 people were caught in a sudden flood near the G-Qurban Hotel on Swat Bypass.
As per the report, after the incident, a rescue operation was immediately launched upon receiving the report. Of the 18, three were safely rescued, while six bodies were recovered during a joint operation involving rescue teams, the district administration, and local volunteers.
“As of now, nine individuals remain missing, and a search operation is ongoing up to the boundaries of Malakand district,” the report added.
The KP government confirmed that the affected individuals include residents of Daska district of Punjab and Mardan district of KP.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has announced compensation for the victims from Punjab and has directed a formal inquiry into the incident. A committee under the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team has been formed to investigate.
In a related incident, over 10 people drowned near the Relax Hotel on the Swat Bypass. Rescue teams have recovered additional bodies, including three from Angro Dher. At Imam Dher, 22 individuals trapped in floodwaters were successfully rescued.
According to the official report, in total, 75 people were reported trapped at various locations along the Swat River. So far, 58 have been rescued alive, eight bodies have been recovered, and 10 individuals are still missing.
The KP government has deployed 105 rescue personnel across eight active rescue sites in Swat. Teams are facing serious challenges due to the rapid flow of floodwaters.
As a precaution, all hotels, restaurants, and commercial activities near the Swat River have been shut down. Recreational activities in rivers throughout the province have been banned in advance under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code due to the ongoing monsoon season.
The local administration has also launched an extensive awareness campaign via various media channels, urging tourists and the public to avoid riverbanks and follow all precautionary measures. Authorities have once again appealed to the public to stay away from rivers and flood-prone areas to prevent further loss of life.