PESHAWAR: A fact-finding report by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has held a private hotel responsible for the tragic Swat River incident, citing gross negligence and lack of professionalism. The report recommends registering a case under the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) against both the hotel’s lesser and lessee.
The inquiry, conducted by the Culture and Tourism Department, also criticized the department itself for being “completely absent” during the incident. It noted a lack of regulation, safety oversight, and public engagement. Alarmingly, the official tourist helpline (1422) remained inactive throughout the crisis — highlighting poor awareness and communication efforts.
The tragedy occurred on June 27, when a family of 17, picnicking by the Swat River, was suddenly swept away by a powerful surge of water. Disturbing footage shared on social media showed family members trapped on a shrinking patch of land, calling for help for nearly an hour before rescue teams arrived.
While several members were rescued and bodies recovered during the extensive relief efforts, the body of Abdullah, a young boy from Sialkot, was not found until 21 days later in Swat’s Barikot tehsil.
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The heartbreaking incident has sparked multiple writ petitions in the Peshawar High Court, with petitioners accusing the government and concerned departments of criminal negligence and apathy.
In response, Peshawar High Court Chief Justice SM Atique Shah ordered a thorough investigation. The Provincial Inspection Team was subsequently tasked with leading the official probe.