CM orders action over Swat tragedy failures

The Provincial Inspection Team (PIT) on Saturday presented a damning 63-page inquiry report to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, highlighting systemic failures and official negligence that contributed to the recent Swat tragedy. The chief minister has approved disciplinary action against government officers and officials found responsible, directing relevant departments to complete legal proceedings within 60 days.

The report, which outlines shortcomings in emergency preparedness and response mechanisms, pinpoints lapses by the district administration, irrigation department, local government, and Rescue 1122. In response, these departments have been instructed to rectify structural and procedural deficiencies within 30 days. New protocols and regulatory frameworks, particularly related to river safety and building regulations, are to be implemented immediately and enforced strictly.

To ensure proper execution of PIT recommendations, a high-level oversight committee led by the chief secretary will be established.

This committee will submit monthly progress reports to the Chief Minister's Secretariat. It will also oversee the integration of river safety modules into the upcoming monsoon contingency plan and expedite Rescue 1122 capacity upgrades.

A province-wide public awareness campaign will soon be launched by departments including information, relief, and tourism, to prevent monsoon-related mishaps.

The PIT report criticised the ineffective implementation of advisories issued by the PDMA and district authorities, citing poor coordination among field departments such as police, revenue, irrigation, tourism police, and rescue services.