Inquiry report into Saifullah Lake boat accident submitted to KP government

The inquiry report into the tragic boat accident at Saifullah Lake in Swat has been submitted to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. According to the report, the operator of the boat did not have a No Objection Certificate (NOC), while the boat involved in the accident was also found to be lacking even basic safety equipment, including oars.

The incident occurred on July 1 at Saifullah Lake in Swat, where a boat overturned during a journey, resulting in the drowning of seven people. According to details, the boat’s generator stopped working while it was traveling on the lake, causing difficulties for the passengers and eventually leading to the accident.

An inquiry committee headed by Secretary Inter-Provincial Coordination Muhammad Ayaz investigated the incident and submitted its findings to the provincial government. The report identified failures by several departments, including the police, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rescue 1122, and the Tourism Authority, in properly fulfilling their responsibilities.

The inquiry committee recommended that all boats operating in the area should be registered on a mandatory basis and that the availability of life jackets and other essential safety equipment should be ensured before allowing boating activities.

Sources familiar with the report revealed that on the day of the accident, 17 out of 37 tourism police personnel were absent on leave. The report also highlighted operational issues with emergency response services, stating that a Rescue 1122 ambulance broke down twice while traveling to and returning from the accident site.

The report further stated that under Section 144 imposed in Swat, illegal boating and swimming activities were prohibited. However, the police failed to effectively enforce the restrictions. Although police registered cases against individuals involved in swimming violations, no cases were filed against those involved in unauthorized boating activities.

According to sources within the inquiry committee, a sudden and powerful water current occurred at the time of the accident, sweeping away the boat along with tourists on board. The boat operator reportedly told investigators that he knew how to swim and managed to save himself by jumping into the water.

The inquiry also pointed out administrative issues regarding the Upper Swat Development Authority. Sources stated that the authority was established five years ago under an official act, but rules and regulations for its operations have not yet been finalized. According to the act, managing boating activities does not fall under the direct responsibility of the Upper Swat Development Authority. The authority’s Director General reportedly stated that boating matters would be addressed once the board of the authority is formed.

The inquiry committee sources further explained that, under the Culture and Tourism Act, responsibility for regulating boating activities falls under the Culture and Tourism Department. However, officials from the department stated that after the establishment of the Upper Swat Development Authority, responsibility for certain matters was transferred away from them.

The report also revealed that many local residents prepare and operate wooden boats themselves, often installing generator-powered engines in them. More than 250 boats are reportedly operating at Saifullah Lake.

Boat operators told investigators that a life jacket costs around Rs. 5,000, making it difficult for many of them to purchase the required safety equipment. The absence of proper safety measures, lack of registration, and weak enforcement mechanisms were highlighted as major contributing factors behind the accident.

The inquiry report has called for immediate reforms, including strict registration procedures, improved monitoring, better emergency response systems, and mandatory safety equipment to prevent similar tragedies in the future.