Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister’s Spokesman Faraz Mughal has clarified why the Chief Minister’s helicopter was not used during the recent Swat incident, where dozens were stranded in the middle of a flash flood.
Speaking on ARY News’ morning show, Faraz explained that deploying the helicopter could have endangered more lives due to its size and the strong wind pressure generated by its rotors.
According to Mughal, around 150 people were initially stranded, with rescue teams reaching the site where 17 people were trapped within 8 to 10 minutes. Of these, three were successfully rescued.
The Chief Minister’s spokesperson emphasized that the helicopter, being large, was unsuitable for the river rescue operation and could have caused further harm to those in distress.
The spokesperson also rejected claims that no help reached the stranded individuals, stating that rescue teams responded promptly after receiving the call.
He noted that the rescue operation covered a vast area and that initial information about the incident was incomplete, which delayed the deployment of additional equipment.
Mughal further stated that the location of the tragedy was not a designated tourist spot but a bypass area, and that police and security personnel are typically stationed at official tourist points.
An FIR has been registered against hotel owners who allowed tourists into the river, and the Chief Minister plans to visit the affected families soon.
He also announced that new rescue drones capable of carrying up to 150 kg will be deployed in Swat and other vulnerable areas to improve future emergency responses.
He criticized political opponents for exploiting the tragedy and stressed that any officials found negligent in the rescue efforts would be held accountable.