PESHAWAR – Following a tragic incident triggered by a flash flood in Swat District on June 27, which resulted in loss of lives, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has ordered immediate reforms and disciplinary actions in the tourism sector.
A fact-finding inquiry, approved by the Chief Minister and conducted by the Establishment Department, revealed gross negligence and regulatory failures by the Culture and Tourism Authority (KP-CTA). The department has now directed the KP-CTA to take urgent corrective measures within 30 days and to submit detailed compliance reports.
Key Findings
The inquiry found that the KP-CTA was “entirely absent” from the scene and had shown no active engagement in tourist safety. Specific failures included:
Absence of hotel licensing and regulatory enforcement.Lack of tourism police presence in critical areas like Fizagat.Public unawareness of the official helpline (1422).Non-existent tourist facilitation centers.No oversight over travel agents or seasonal risk preparedness.
Particularly alarming was the case of Relax Hotel, which was illegally constructed on the riverbed without any approved plan or No Objection Certificate (NOC). Despite monsoon warnings, the hotel management failed to restrict access to the river, install safety barriers, or alert guests—actions deemed as criminal negligence.
Official Recommendations
As per the directives issued on July 14, the KP-CTA is required to:Immediately introduce a licensing regime for all hotels and tourism units.Launch public awareness campaigns using print and electronic media.Establish Tourist Facilitation Centers at major entry points.
Deploy Tourism Police beyond the jurisdiction of the Swat Development Authority.Regulate travel agents and enforce safety compliance.
Enforce Seasonal Compliance Certificates for monsoon operation in hotelsMaintain a public directory of tourist sites.
Initiate disciplinary action against negligent officials, to be concluded within 60 days.
In addition, the provincial government has demanded a comprehensive overhaul of the tourism safety framework, including drafting new laws for riverbank construction and enforcing existing tourism regulations without exception.
A case under the Pakistan Penal Code may also be registered against those responsible for illegal hotel operations that led to the deaths.
Next Steps
The KP Establishment Department has instructed the administrative authorities to begin legal proceedings and ensure all mandated actions are completed within the stipulated timeline.
Officials have vowed to learn from the tragedy and implement strong safeguards to prevent such incidents in the future.
