SWAT: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has imposed an immediate ban on sand and gravel mining in the Swat River following yesterday’s devastating flash flood, which swept away seventeen tourists.
Rescue teams have so far recovered 11 bodies, while three tourists have been rescued alive. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining three individuals still missing.
Announcing the decision, Provincial Minister for Livestock Fazal Hakim Khan Yousafzai said the government is also launching a major anti-encroachment drive to remove illegal structures along the riverbanks.
He confirmed that an independent inquiry into the incident is underway, with four officials already suspended. “Further disciplinary action will follow based on the findings of the investigation,” the minister added.
The crackdown follows growing public outrage and demands for accountability and stronger safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
