Tourist Killed After Glacier Collapse Near Famous Lake in Swat

A tourist lost his life after a glacier collapsed near Andrab Lake in Kalam, Swat, authorities confirmed on Thursday.

According to a spokesperson for the Upper Swat Development Authority (USDA), the deceased was identified as Abdul Wajid, a resident of Bahawalpur. His body was shifted to Kalam Hospital, while officials have launched an investigation into the incident.

The tragedy comes as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has also received the inquiry report into the recent Saifullah Lake boating accident in Swat.

According to government sources, the report holds multiple departments responsible for the incident, including the police, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rescue 1122, Tourism Authority, and other relevant agencies.

The inquiry found that Section 144 was in force across Swat at the time, prohibiting both boating and swimming. However, the police and district administration reportedly failed to enforce the restrictions.

The report states that while authorities registered 103 cases against people involved in swimming, no action was taken against boating activities despite the ban.

It also revealed that on the day of the incident, 17 out of 37 Tourism Police personnel assigned to the area were on leave, raising concerns over the availability of staff for tourist safety and enforcement.

The findings have prompted renewed scrutiny of safety measures and enforcement at tourist destinations across Swat, particularly during the busy summer season.