ISLAMABAD: Awami National Party Central President Senator Aimal Wali Khan has filed an important adjournment motion in the Senate of Pakistan, demanding an immediate discussion on the environmental, administrative and humanitarian crisis related to the Swat River.
In the adjournment motion, Senator Aimal Wali Khan has taken the position that the Swat River, which is of key importance to the entire country, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in terms of agriculture and ecology, has been suffering from government negligence and mismanagement for a long time. The motion says that till now, the river has not been formally demarcated, and due to the non-construction of embankments, flooding occurs every year, causing severe loss of life and property to the local population.
Senator Aimal Wali Khan has further said that NOCs were issued for several illegal constructions around the river, the legality and transparency of which are being questioned. He demanded from the House that the complete details of the institutions responsible for issuing these NOCs, the recommenders, and the beneficiaries be brought to light.
The adjournment motion also raised serious questions about the performance of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Rescue 1122 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Senator Aimal Wali Khan asked whether these institutions have taken any practical steps to deal with possible flood risks? Is there an early warning system or river monitoring system? And has any coordinated planning been made with public awareness or collaboration with local governments?
The adjournment motion has demanded an investigation into the legal demarcation of the Swat River and the non-construction of protective embankments, a transparent inquiry into the issuance of illegal NOCs and action against those involved, and a briefing to the House on the performance of NDMA, PDMA and rescue 1122 and action on proven negligence.
Similarly, a comprehensive river management policy should be formulated in which the participation of all stakeholders should be ensured. A transparent and environmentally friendly policy should be established for the issuance of NOCs.
Senator Aimal Wali Khan clarified that this issue is not only directly linked to environmental destruction but also to the loss of human lives, state trust and resources. He said that it is the constitutional and moral responsibility of the House to pay serious and timely attention to this serious issue.
Read also: Dispute between Aimal Wali and PTA chairman settled through Pakhtun Jirga in Peshawar
