WHAT recently happened in Swat is not merely a natural disaster; it is a heartbreaking example of mismanagement and state negligence.
The Swat tragedy is a painful reflection of our society and governance system. The drowning of 18 individuals, one after the other, trapped in the stormy waves of the Swat River is a catastrophic tragedy. Such helplessness, such despair watching your loved ones drown before your eyes and waiting for your own turn is sheer torment. Yet, even in the face of this utter disregard for human life, not a single authority is moved.
It is often said that accidents cannot be prevented, but global observation shows that through strict laws and clear policies, many countries have significantly reduced such incidents. While accidents may not be entirely preventable, their damage can certainly be minimized. Nations learn from such tragedies and move forward. But rather than learning or implementing preventive measures, we resort to hollow rhetoric. Illegal constructions in Swat are a major cause of such disasters. Permissions are granted in violation of regulations and through collusion, for which the public pays the price in the form of lost lives and damaged property.
Unfortunately, our national memory is short-lived. When disaster strikes, the entire nation mourns. But within a few days, we forget everything. The victims are left alone to pick up the shattered pieces of their lives, while the rest of the nation waits for the next tragedy. In any civilized nation, the government would have resigned, ministers would have apologized. But here, things take a different turn. The Prime Minister merely offered condolences, and the Chief Minister remarked, “I would go there and pitch a tent.” This reveals that nothing is done for the poor. Had the victims been influential, helicopters would have arrived and they would have been rescued with full protocol.
Pakistan is a land of natural beauty, yet sadly, it lacks any effective emergency response plan at any level. The pressing question remains: how long will our people continue to perish in the name of natural disasters? This tragedy is not new it is another link in the painful chain that has been continuing for years. Thousands have fallen victim to rain, floods, landslides, and treacherous river currents. Yet no government has ever formulated a comprehensive policy. No emergency plans have been drawn, and no effective system of trained rescue teams at the grassroots level has been established.
The primary responsibility of the State is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Yet, despite the presence of multiple institutions, lives are risked every year. For years, we have heard of young people drowning in the Swat River, but the Administration continues to do nothing, even while watching them drown. People recklessly dive into the river, undeterred. If there were prior warnings, why were tourists allowed near dangerous spots? If the riverbanks were hazardous, why wasn’t access restricted? Securing such high-risk locations should be a top priority.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Faisalabad.
(ranazahid4@gmail.com)
