DC Swat removed, four officials suspended
The vacant post of NIE director general was advertised on January 13, 2019 in the national press. photo: file
Following the recent loss of lives in Swat, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has suspended four officials and removed Swat Deputy Commissioner Shehzad Mahboob from his post, placing him in the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) category. Saleem, who was awaiting posting, has been appointed as the new Deputy Commissioner of Swat. The Establishment Department has officially issued a notification in this regard.
On the other hand, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah has announced an immediate ban on all forms of mining within the Swat River's riverbeds. He has also directed authorities to launch a crackdown against illegal structures and hotels built along the Swat and Panjkora rivers.
On Saturday, the K-P Chief Secretary conducted a detailed visit to Swat in response to the recent flash floods that caused widespread damage in the region. During the visit, he inspected the affected site along the Mingora Bypass Road and received a comprehensive briefing from officials on the ground.
Later, Shahab Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting at the Commissioner's Office in Saidu Sharif.
Key decisions were made during the meeting in light of the recent tragedy. He instructed the Irrigation Department to install an Early Warning System on the Swat River within a week and to review and modernize the existing alert mechanisms. Additionally, the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief) Swat has been designated as an 'Early Response Centre' where all relevant personnel will remain on standby to coordinate swift emergency action.
Emphasizing the need to upgrade Rescue 1122, he said the force will be equipped with drones, life jackets, and modern rescue tools to ensure timely response in future disasters. He highlighted that drones will enable rapid identification of stranded individuals, potentially saving lives.
He also instructed the police, irrigation department, and rescue workers to maintain regular patrols along the Swat and Panjkora riverbanks to prevent violations and respond promptly to any emergencies.
Appealing to media and community leaders, the Chief Secretary urged them to actively participate in awareness campaigns to keep tourists and locals away from the rivers during high-risk periods. He stressed the importance of using print, electronic, and social media to warn the public about possible flood threats to help save lives.
The meeting concluded with a collective prayer for those who had lost their lives in the Swat tragedy. Rescue agencies have been directed to utilize all available resources to search for the missing. Shahab Ali Shah also confirmed that an investigative team had arrived in Swat and formally begun its probe. Individuals found guilty of negligence will face legal action. The Provincial Inspection Team is expected to submit its findings soon.