The Commissioner of Malakand Division has submitted the official inquiry report of the Swat River tragedy.
The official investigation was submitted to the Provincial Inspection Team. The report blames construction activities and lapses in safety enforcement for the flash flood that swept away 17 people, leaving 12 dead and one still missing.
The strengthening of protective embankments led to the diversion of the river’s natural course. This created deceptively low water levels at the site where tourists entered the river.
Timeline and Key Findings
According to the report, 17 tourists—10 from Sialkot, six from Mardan, and one local resident—entered the Swat River near their hotel at 9:31 am on June 27.
Just 14 minutes later, at 9:45 am, a sudden surge in water level, caused by heavy upstream rainfall and the altered river flow, swept the group away.
Emergency services were alerted immediately. However, the rescue teams arrived at the scene at 10:05 am, 20 minutes after the water rose.
Rescue teams managed to save only four tourists, recovered the bodies of 12, and continue searching for the last missing person for a seventh day.
The report also notes that a hotel security guard attempted to warn the tourists. However, they bypassed security and entered the river from the rear of the premises.
CCTV and hotel records confirm the timeline of events.
Warnings and Administrative Response
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) informed the inquiry committee that it issued a weather alert. It had predicted heavy rains and possible flash floods to district administrations on June 23, specifically warning Swat and other districts.
Authorities imposed Section 144, banning swimming and boating in the river, on June 2 and extended it on June 24.
Officials provided relief funds and materials to local authorities and prepared a Flood Contingency Plan in May. Despite these measures, the report highlights serious lapses in enforcement and coordination.
Authorities have taken disciplinary action, suspending the Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners of Babuzai and Khwaza Khela, District Emergency Officer, and Tehsil Municipal Officer of Swat.
The Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also imposed a ban on all river mining activities in the district following the incident.
Broader Impact
The tragedy is part of a larger pattern. Floods have reportedly swept away 75 people in separate incidents across Swat this season.
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has demanded a comprehensive report on tourist safety measures. PHC has also ordered the removal of all encroachments along riverbanks. The investigation continues, with a final report expected soon.
