The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has sought a detailed report from the chairman of the inquiry committee formed to investigate the tragic incident in which 14 tourists drowned in the Swat River due to a flash flood and the alleged failure of timely rescue operations.
The directive was issued during a hearing conducted by a two-member bench comprising Chief Justice SM Atiq Shah and Justice Faheem Wali. The court was informed by the head of the inquiry committee, Khayam Hassan, that several shortcomings had been identified in various departments during the ongoing investigation. "We visited Swat after the incident and are compiling our report, which must be submitted within seven days," he told the court. "Multiple departmental lapses have come to light, and everything will be revealed once the report is finalized."
The court also instructed the immediate removal of all encroachments along the banks of the Swat River.
Present during the hearing were petitioners' counsels Babar Khan and Nasir Khan Advocates, as well as the commissioners and regional police officers (RPOs) of the concerned divisions. Also in attendance were Commissioner Malakand Division Abid Wazir, Commissioner Kohat Division Moatasim Billah Shah, Advocate General Shah Faisal Utmankhel, and the petitioners' legal representatives.
Chief Justice Shah questioned the presence of the Commissioner Malakand and the identity and progress of the inquiry officer. Upon the arrival of inquiry committee chairman Khayam Hassan, the Chief Justice asked whether the investigation had been conducted. Hassan confirmed it was underway and reiterated the committee's efforts in preparing the report.
The bench directed the Malakand Commissioner and RPO to submit a comprehensive report, specifically detailing measures taken for tourist safety in the area.
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