Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari, expressed deep sorrow while speaking to the media at the Punjab Assembly regarding the tragic incident in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where several members of the same family drowned in the Swat River. She said that had such an incident occurred in Punjab, the provincial government would have responded immediately. In contrast, the affected family in Swat waited two hours for help, repeatedly calling rescue services, but no one came.
Criticising the 12-year-long rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bokhari pointed out that while billions of rupees in development projects have been claimed, actual delivery remains absent. Despite announcing the launch of an air ambulance service on May 26, 2024, it has yet to be operational. She further alleged that hotels were constructed along riverbanks under political influence, Rescue 1122 appointments were made on political grounds, and the excuse of “lack of resources” is being used while citizens are left to suffer.
She added that not a single effective rescue or control unit has been established along the Swat River-no boats, no staff. Tourists continue to fall victim to preventable tragedies, yet no lessons are learned.
Azma Bokhari emphasised that in Punjab, even minor incidents like a dog bite prompt swift action by the Chief Minister. In Swat, while this major tragedy unfolded, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was occupied with job pursuits at Adiala Jail.
She called for a comprehensive audit of the KP government’s funds, a full investigation into the illegal constructions and hotel developments around the Swat River, and a serious inquiry into the failure of the air ambulance and rescue systems. People go for leisure and recreation-not to die,” Bokhari stated. “This incident could have been prevented. It’s not just a natural disaster, it’s a failure of governance.