KP Government Constitutes Inquiry Committee to Investigate Deadly Swat Lake Boat Capsize

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has established a two-member inquiry committee to investigate a boat capsize incident at Lake Saifullah in Kalam, Swat district, which claimed the lives of six family members, with a 17-year-old girl remaining missing.

A notification from the human resource management department announced that, pursuant to directives from the competent authority, the committee has been formed to probe the July 1 incident resulting in these fatalities.

The inquiry committee consists of Mohammad Ayaz, secretary of the inter-provincial coordination department, and Zubair Ahmed, special secretary of the finance department.

The committee’s terms of reference include determining the facts and circumstances surrounding the tragedy, examining contributing factors such as the boat’s operational condition, weather conditions at the time, and other relevant elements.

It will also assess whether the boat, its operation, and the boating activity complied with applicable laws, regulations, prescribed procedures, permissions, and safety requirements.

The investigation will examine if the operator held proper authorization and qualifications under the relevant legal framework, and evaluate the adequacy of safety measures in place, including lifejacket availability and usage, rescue equipment, and other safety protocols.

The committee will also review regulatory, supervisory, and administrative arrangements governing boating activities at the site, including the responsibilities of concerned departments, local administration, and private operators.

Additionally, the committee has been tasked with identifying any procedural, regulatory, or administrative gaps and recommending corrective measures.

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