Peshawar( The COW News Digital)In the wake of a tragic incident where multiple tourists drowned in the Swat River, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial government has removed the Director General (DG) of Rescue KP and the DG of Upper Swat Development Authority from their posts.
According to official sources, the Provincial Inspection Team submitted a report to the KP government highlighting severe negligence and slow response by the Swat Development Authority. The report also criticized the DG Rescue KP for lacking the necessary technical expertise to handle emergency operations effectively.
The government had earlier suspended six officers in connection with the incident. The latest administrative reshuffle appears to be part of a broader accountability drive aimed at addressing lapses in emergency preparedness and management in the tourist-heavy Swat region.
The DG of Rescue KP has been transferred to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), while the DG of Upper Swat Development Authority has been declared Officer on Special Duty (OSD)—a position typically used for sidelined or under-investigation officials.
This action comes after public outcry over the apparent failure of local authorities to conduct timely rescue operations for tourists trapped in the river. Eyewitnesses had claimed that the rescue response was delayed and poorly coordinated, leading to preventable loss of life.
A detailed inquiry report submitted by the Commissioner of Malakand to the provincial government further supported the claims of negligence and lack of preparedness. The report became the basis for the disciplinary actions now being enforced.
Tourism is a key economic driver in the Swat region, especially during the summer months when thousands of visitors flock to the scenic valley. The tragic incident and subsequent administrative failures have raised serious concerns about the safety protocols in place for both locals and tourists.
Provincial authorities have promised to implement reforms to improve rescue capabilities, install early warning systems, and increase coordination among departments responsible for tourism and emergency management.
This is not the first time such incidents have occurred in Swat. However, the swift action by the KP government signals a renewed commitment to enforcing accountability and ensuring tourist safety in the region.
