Peshawar High Court Blames Negligence for Swat Tragedy

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has declared the Swat tragedy a result of gross negligence and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The court's written judgment on a petition filed against encroachments on rivers and the Swat incident highlighted that the tragic event on June 27 in the Swat River was due to serious negligence by the authorities. It noted that 17 lives were lost due to officials' failure to take emergency measures such as using helicopters to rescue tourists, indicating criminal negligence in public service. The court also raised concerns about illegal construction of hotels and buildings along rivers like Swat, Panjkora, Dir, Indus, Kabul, and Charsadda, posing a significant threat to human lives. The presence of these unauthorized structures reflects the failure and complicity of relevant institutions. The court has directed the investigation committee on the Swat tragedy to submit preliminary findings within 7 days and a detailed report within 14 days. The Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been instructed to clarify the steps taken for public safety. This action by the court is a significant move towards ensuring accountability and protecting lives in the future.