July 26, 2025
The flash flood tragedy occurred on June 27, sweeping away a family of 17 picnickers in Swat’s Fizagat area. Videos show them stranded, calling for help for nearly an hour before rescue efforts commenced .
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture & Tourism Authority and Tourism Department were completely absent from the scene, with no deployment of tourism police, no functioning helpline (1422), and no facilitation centres or awareness campaigns in place .
A hotel where tourists stayed was built illegally on the riverbank without NOC, and the management failed to install warning signs or bars—allowing unfettered access to hazardous zones despite weather alerts .
The police failed to enforce Section 144 effectively and registered few FIRs despite widespread violations. Out of many incidents, most FIRs were lodged by assistant commissioners, not local police. Incompetence further extended into Rescue 1122, where the district emergency officer was on unapproved leave and response times were delayed .
Multiple departments including the police, irrigation, local government, Rescue 1122, and tourism authorities were held negligent. Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against key officials—such as former DG Rescue 1122, the Deputy Commissioner, and other administrative personnel .
The report includes strong recommendations: full enforcement of Section 144, regulatory frameworks for riverside construction within 30 days, a licensing regime for hotels, permanent tourism police at major spots, establishment of tourist facilitation centers, public awareness drives, and imposition of criminal charges against negligent actors—and these reforms are to be overseen by a committee with monthly progress reporting to the Chief Minister .
