In response to the tragic drowning of several tourists during a sudden flash flood in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has taken decisive action, suspending multiple government officials over negligence and inadequate crisis management.
Chief Minister’s spokesperson, Faraz Mughal, confirmed that several district administration and rescue officials were suspended following an initial assessment of the incident, which occurred when tourists were swept away by rapidly rising river waters.
Details of the suspensions:
- The Babuzai assistant commissioner was suspended for a delayed and ineffective response during the emergency.
- The Khawazakhela assistant commissioner was removed for failing to issue timely warnings, despite available weather alerts.
- The additional deputy commissioner (ADC) relief was suspended for not putting in place advance safety measures that could have mitigated the disaster.
- The district in-charge of Rescue 1122 was also suspended due to insufficient preparedness and poor coordination during the rescue efforts.
Formal investigation ordered:
CM Gandapur has tasked the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team (CMIT) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry to establish the exact causes of administrative failure and identify those directly responsible.
“The chief minister has made it clear that those whose negligence endangered public lives will not escape accountability,” the spokesperson said, adding that further suspensions and disciplinary measures could follow once the investigation concludes.
