As the death toll from the devastating Swat River incident rose to 12, journalist Mehboob Ali, speaking on Geo News’ programme “Geo Pakistan”, pointed to administrative failure, illegal riverbed mining, and regulatory oversight as key contributors to the disaster.
On Friday, 17 members of a Sialkot-based family were swept away by a sudden surge in the Swat River while picnicking near the bank. Videos showed the family stranded on a shrinking patch of land, pleading for rescue, with no help in sight for nearly an hour.
So far, 12 bodies have been recovered, including that of a child found in Charsadda on Sunday, while one person remains missing.
Ali said this year’s floods—though not as intense as those in 2010 or 2022—caused extensive destruction, particularly because the surge began unusually from Khwazakhela, Manglor, and Malam Jabba, rather than the usual upstream points of Kalam or Bahrain.
He said that the administration failed to issue timely alerts and that had directed people to move to safe locations early, lives might have been spared.
Illegal riverbed mining
Ali further warned that unchecked and illegal mining along the Swat River had altered its natural course. “People, using heavy machinery or shovels, extract gravel and sand from the river unlawfully, right in front of the authorities, and yet nothing is said,” he said.
“Craters and pits have formed within the river, when mounds and small hills form, they block the flow of water” he added, noting that such disruptions can cause sudden gushes during floods.
Delayed rescue, lack of equipment
The rescue operation was also marred by delays and equipment shortages. Despite being located just 3–4 kilometres from the site, Rescue 1122 reportedly took 19 minutes to arrive. The team lacked essential tools such as boats and ropes, forcing them to place an order for equipment that arrived too late.
“If Rescue had arrived on time and had divers, trained personnel, or prepared boats they could use themselves, then certainly precious lives could have been saved,” Ali said.
Encroachments, violations questioned
Ali questioned why buildings were permitted to be constructed so close to the river, violating the legal requirement of a 200-foot buffer.
While authorities have since launched a crackdown on illegal structures, Ali called for accountability for the officials who issued NOCs and construction permits in the first place. “Where was the administration when these buildings were being constructed?” he asked.
He also cautioned that the anti-encroachment drive should be applied equitably. “The government is also accused of targeting specific individuals. If this operation is conducted across the board — without regard to whether someone is rich or poor, powerful or weak — then perhaps the people may be willing to accept it,” he said.
Official response and crackdown
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has since launched a major operation against encroachments and banned all mining along riverbeds.
KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, in a statement, said that a complete ban has been imposed on all forms of mining activities along riverbeds. He also announced that a coordinated crackdown would begin on all encroachments, including hotels illegally constructed on or near riverbanks.
