Extends heartfelt condolences to affected families; strongly criticizes provincial government and administration for negligence
Staff Report
PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), Engineer Amir Muqam, has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic incident in which tourists were swept away by the Swat River.
He said the heartbreaking tragedy is a moment of reflection for the entire nation, as precious human lives were lost.
In his statement, Engr Amir Muqam said it is extremely unfortunate that people remained stranded in the middle of the river for hours, waiting for help, yet no rescue team arrived at the scene. This incident is a clear indication of the provincial government’s complete failure and the criminal negligence of the district administration.
He added that the failure to issue timely warnings, the unavailability of prompt rescue operations and the absence of essential machinery and resources all point to the fact that the public was left at the mercy of the situation.
Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam extended heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the affected families, stating that “we stand with them in their time of grief.” He also instructed the relevant authorities to speed up relief efforts and ensure all possible assistance and facilities are provided to the victims.
He expressed profound sorrow over the martyrdom of 18 tourists, including 15 from a single family, calling it a major tragedy.
