Staff Report
PESHAWAR:Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahab Ali Shah, conducted a detailed visit to Swat in the wake of the recent flash flood disaster. During his visit, he inspected the affected site along the Mingora Bypass Road and received a comprehensive briefing from concerned officials.
Later, he presided over a high-level meeting at the Commissioner’s Office in Saidu Sharif. The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Livestock Fazal Hakim Khan, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Housing Amjad Ali, Special Assistant on Relief Nek Muhammad Dawar, Secretary Relief, Commissioner Malakand Division, Deputy Commissioner Swat, elected public representatives, media personnel, and heads of relevant departments.
During the meeting, several critical decisions were taken in light of the recent tragedy. The Chief Secretary announced an immediate ban on all types of mining within the Swat River’s riverbed. He also directed authorities to launch a robust operation starting tomorrow against illegal encroachments and hotels constructed along and within the Swat and Panjkora rivers.
He instructed the Irrigation Department to install an Early Warning System in the Swat River within a week, emphasizing the need to reassess and upgrade the current system to meet modern standards.
Furthermore, the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief) Swat has been designated as an “Early Response Centre,” where representatives from all relevant departments will be stationed around the clock to ensure swift and coordinated emergency responses.
The Chief Secretary stressed the need to enhance the capacity of Rescue 1122 by equipping the force with drones, life jackets, and other modern rescue tools to ensure timely and effective response in the event of any future emergencies. He said drones would help locate stranded individuals, enabling prompt rescue efforts and saving precious lives.
He also directed the police, irrigation, and rescue departments to carry out regular patrolling along the banks of the Swat and Panjkora rivers to monitor violations and respond swiftly to any emergencies.
Appealing to the media and civil society, the Chief Secretary urged them to play an active role in raising public awareness and encouraging tourists and locals to stay away from riverbanks during the monsoon season. He emphasized the role of print, electronic, and social media in alerting the public about potential flood situations in a timely manner.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a collective prayer was offered for those who lost their lives in the Swat tragedy, and rescue agencies were directed to intensify efforts in the search and recovery of missing persons.
During the media talk the Chief Secretary informed that an inquiry team has already arrived in Swat and formally initiated investigations into the incident. He assured that those found negligent or responsible for any lapses will be identified and held accountable as per law. The Provincial Inspection Team is expected to submit its report to the government shortly.
