AS happens every year, people from all over the country, especially lower Punjab, have started flocking to the mountainous northern areasin abid to seek respite from the extreme summer, and to enjoy children`s summer vacations. Many such families end up with tragedies, which is unfortunate.

Four boys from Gujranwala recently went missing along with their car. They were later found dead after their vehicle had plunged into a ravine. In another incident, several people were buried under an avalanche in Naran Valley.

And then came the tragedy of the family that was swept away by the flood waters of Swat River. One can hardly even imagine the horror the family must have felt, facing their imminent death while no one was able to rescue them from the calamity. It is both reprehensible and shameful that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government fails every year to protect the lives of citizens; lives lost due to the negligence of provincial authorities.

The government must immediately implement precautionary measures to prevent large crowds from visiting the northern areas if it cannot properly manage and govern the tourist destinations. Moreover, the government should launch a public awareness campaign through electronic media to educate people about the risks associated with tourist spots, including potential glacier melts, flash floods, avalanches, vehicle preparedness, and other hazards. Emergency relief departments should also be made fully functional to help save precious lives.

Arslaan Zafar Sial Jhang