KP Chief Secretary Admits 45-Minute Rescue Delay in Swat Flash Flood Tragedy

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah has acknowledged “serious shortcomings” in the rescue operations following a flash flood in the Swat River that claimed at least 10 lives — mostly tourists from Punjab.

Speaking to media at the scene near Mingora, he said, “We had a 45-minute window to act. A small oversight turned into a major tragedy.”

The incident occurred on Friday morning when families were enjoying breakfast along a dry riverbank near the Swat Bypass. A sudden flood — triggered by glacial melt and rainfall — swept in, washing away over a dozen people. Most victims were from Daska, Punjab.

Rescue 1122 officials confirmed that 70 people were initially trapped. While 55 were rescued on the first day, 10 bodies have been recovered and three individuals remain missing. Boat access was impossible due to rocky terrain, and time constraints prevented helicopter deployment.

The district head of Rescue 1122 has been suspended. An official inquiry is underway, with a report due within seven days. The provincial government has also announced Rs1.5 million in compensation for each victim’s family.

Environmental experts warn that such flash floods are becoming more frequent due to climate change and accelerated glacial melt in northern Pakistan.