Court Demands Accountability in Swat Drowning Tragedy

The Peshawar High Court grilled officials over negligence in the Swat drowning incident, where a family was tragically swept away. The inquiry revealed departmental lapses, prompting demands for accountability. New safety protocols, including drone-assisted rescues, are being tested to prevent future tragedies.

The Peshawar High Court convened on Thursday to address the recent drowning tragedy in the Swat River in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The inquiry committee head presented findings that pointed to negligence across several government departments, as reported by Geo News.

During the hearing, the inquiry chairman emphasized clear signs of departmental negligence. In response, PHC Chief Justice Mohammad Ibrahim Khan instructed that those responsible be identified promptly. The incident, involving 17 family members from Sialkot swept away by a sudden river rise, highlighted urgent safety concerns.

Videos on social media showed the family stranded for nearly an hour with no immediate rescue. To address future emergencies, drones equipped to deliver life jackets are now being tested. These efforts, alongside new emergency protocols, aim to ensure tourist safety moving forward, per directives from Chief Justice Khan.

(With inputs from agencies.)