PESHAWAR/SWAT: In the wake of a heartbreaking tragedy that claimed the lives of 11 family members from Sialkot, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced a sweeping crackdown on illegal structures along the Swat River.

The family was picnicking by the river when a sudden surge in water swept away 17 people. Four were rescued, while the search continues for two missing individuals. Rescue efforts, now entering their second day, involve over 120 personnel from Swat, Malakand, and Shangla using boats and modern equipment across areas like Khwazakhela, Kabal Bypass, and Barikot.

Rescue 1122’s Director General confirmed that the operation is ongoing round-the-clock.

In response, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah announced an immediate and comprehensive ban on mining in riverbeds and ordered the demolition of all encroachments, particularly illegally built hotels and commercial structures near or on the riverbanks.

“An effective operation against illegal riverbank encroachments will begin tomorrow,” a provincial government statement confirmed. An inquiry committee has already reached Swat to investigate the incident, and any officials found negligent will be held accountable.

To centralize rescue efforts, the office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief) has been turned into the official coordination hub. Teams will be equipped with drones, life jackets, and an upgraded early warning system. Police, Rescue 1122, and district officials will patrol rivers in Malakand Division to ensure public safety and restrict access to dangerous areas.

The KP government also removed Swat Deputy Commissioner Shahzad Mehboob, appointing Saleem Khan as his replacement.

Public Outrage Over Mishandling of Bodies

Meanwhile, outrage grew after Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari revealed that the victims’ bodies were transported in garbage-carrying dumpers. Speaking in the Punjab Assembly, she condemned the move: “If you couldn’t save them, at least bring them home with dignity.”

The assembly later passed a condemnation resolution, calling for KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s resignation on moral grounds and demanding a full investigation into the disaster.

Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar echoed the criticism, labeling the incident a “complete collapse of disaster management.” He questioned why only the deputy commissioner was suspended and demanded accountability at the top, including the chief minister.

“The CM’s base camp is in Adiala,” he quipped, referencing imprisoned PTI founder Imran Khan. “Tourists screamed, children cried, but help never came.”

Tarar further criticized the CM’s remarks that distributing tents was not his job: “If that’s the case, then why even have a PDMA? After 12 years, they still don’t have a proper rescue system.”

Call for Resignation and Federal Response

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also lambasted CM Gandapur, urging him to resign for his government’s failure to respond effectively. “This isn’t just incompetence—it’s a disgraceful dereliction of duty,” he said in a social media post and video message.

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other national leaders expressed sorrow over the loss of lives.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has also issued warnings of continued heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding through Tuesday, keeping emergency services on high alert.