An investigation committee probing the July 1 boat accident at Saifullah Lake in Swat has held several government departments accountable for lapses that it said contributed to the deadly incident, according to a report submitted to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
According to an official report today, the committee, led by Inter-Provincial Coordination Secretary Muhammad Ayaz, concluded that the police, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rescue 1122, Tourism Authority, Tehsil Municipal Administrations (TMAs), Industries Department and other concerned bodies did not effectively fulfill their assigned responsibilities.
Seven people were killed when a boat overturned in Saifullah Lake in Swat on July 1, prompting the provincial government to establish a fact-finding panel to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The findings showed that Section 144, which barred boating and swimming activities across Swat, was in effect at the time of the accident. However, the report said law enforcement agencies and the district administration failed to ensure compliance with the restrictions. Although police registered 103 cases, the action was taken against individuals involved in swimming rather than those operating boats illegally.
The report also highlighted operational shortcomings within emergency services, noting that a Rescue 1122 ambulance malfunctioned twice while travelling to and returning from the accident site. In addition, 17 out of 37 Tourism Police officials were on leave on the day of the incident.
Investigators further observed deficiencies in healthcare arrangements, stating that Kalam Hospital lacked a female doctor to conduct examinations of the deceased victims.
To prevent similar incidents, the committee recommended compulsory registration of all boats, a prohibition on the operation of unregistered vessels on lakes, rigorous enforcement of Section 144 and the mandatory provision of life jackets aboard every boat.