Peshawar [Pakistan], July 12: A damning 63-page report by the Provincial Inspection Team has exposed severe shortcomings in the government’s preparedness and response to the recent Swat flood disaster. Submitted to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the report points to serious negligence across multiple departments, ARY News reported.
Several officials and government departments, including District Administration, Irrigation, Local Government, and Rescue 1122, were found to have failed in coordination, early warning, and rescue efforts. Based on these findings, the Chief Minister has ordered disciplinary action and instructed legal proceedings to be initiated within 60 days.
Departments have been given 30 days to implement new protocols and frameworks to prevent future disasters. A high-level oversight committee led by the Chief Secretary will be formed to monitor implementation, convert the report’s recommendations into measurable KPIs, and submit monthly updates to the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. River safety modules will also be integrated into the upcoming monsoon contingency plan.
Other measures include launching a province-wide public awareness campaign, enhancing Rescue 1122’s capabilities, and tightening building and encroachment regulations.
The report revealed key lapses, such as the failure to act on PDMA advisories, lack of coordination among emergency services, an inactive early warning system, and poor enforcement of riverbank safety. Hotels also failed to warn tourists about hazards, and Rescue 1122 faced operational delays due to inadequate staff and resources.
In response, the government has launched a crackdown on illegal riverbank encroachments. So far, 127 illegal structures have been sealed and constructions on 682 kanals of land demolished. An additional 1,874 kanals of encroachments have been identified, with 1,019 kanals already cleared. Riverbeds have been demarcated over 609 km, and 174 protective barriers have been installed.
The newly approved River Rescue Plan will see the construction of 36 prefabricated rescue stations, 70 compact rescue posts, and procurement of modern rescue equipment. A digital monitoring system will also be introduced to streamline coordination between Rescue 1122 and district officials.