Peshawar — The Peshawar High Court began formal proceedings regarding the tragic Swat river incident, where several tourists lost their lives due to flash floods. During the hearing, the Chairman of the Inspection Team admitted that multiple government departments displayed serious negligence in handling the situation.
Chief Justice of the Peshawar High Court, while presiding over the case, remarked that those found guilty of negligence will be arrested soon. He also questioned the preparedness of authorities in tourist regions like Hazara, particularly regarding emergency medical support and rescue operations.
Commissioner Hazara informed the court that Section 144 has been imposed, anti-encroachment operations are ongoing, and additional medical staff has been deployed in Nathiagali Hospital.
The court inquired whether drone-based emergency response systems were available in such critical zones. In response, the Commissioner said drones have been procured that can deliver life jackets to flood victims. The Chief Justice instructed that these drones must be tested to evaluate how quickly they can respond in real-time emergencies.
The court stressed the importance of ensuring tourist safety and maintaining full coordination between the police and rescue departments. RPO Hazara assured the court that both institutions are working in complete sync.
Later, the court directed Commissioner Malakand and the RPO to submit their reports along with the findings of the investigation into the Swat incident.
Meanwhile, Director General of Rescue 1122, Shah Fahad, appeared before the inquiry committee and was questioned about his location during the tragedy. He stated that he was in Peshawar at the time, and that rescue operations were launched on June 27 at multiple flood-hit locations in Swat.
DG Shah Fahad further revealed that the distress call was received at 9:45 AM, and rescue teams including ambulances, boats, and divers were dispatched to the site. Divers managed to save three tourists from the Swat River near Mingora Bypass.
He also confirmed that some rescue personnel were suspended following internal investigations and that an international-level inquiry is currently underway to determine accountability.
