Swat, June 29, 2025: The Swat district administration on Sunday launched a sweeping anti-encroachment operation along the Swat River, targeting illegal hotels and structures built on the riverbed, following a deadly flash flood that claimed at least 17 lives, including children.
The death toll from the tragedy rose to 12 confirmed fatalities in Swat, after the body of a missing child—swept away by the floodwaters—was recovered downstream in Charsadda, according to Rescue 1122 officials.
The crackdown comes in the aftermath of Saturday’s picnic tragedy in Fizagat, where unsuspecting families were caught off guard by a sudden surge in river water. Authorities said the illegal encroachments along the river had obstructed the natural flow, worsening the impact of flash floods.
As bulldozers moved in, several small hotel and restaurant owners staged a protest on Fizagat Bypass Road, blocking traffic and accusing the administration of selective targeting.
“We have valid court documents. Our hotels were demolished without any legal notice,” claimed one protester. “Why are only small businesses being punished while large establishments remain untouched?”
Police arrested three individuals for allegedly obstructing the operation. Despite mounting protests, the district administration said the drive would continue “at all costs” to prevent future disasters.
According to a report by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), at least 20 people have died across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) due to heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides. Another 10 people have been injured, while over 50 homes were partially damaged and six completely destroyed in Swat alone.
Fatalities have been reported from Swat, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Charsadda, Malakand, and Shangla districts, with rescue and relief operations ongoing.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, speaking to media in Daska, termed the Swat tragedy a “breakdown” in emergency preparedness.
“Children were washed away in front of their parents. Rescue teams arrived empty-handed. This isn’t just a natural disaster—it’s a failure of governance,” he said.
Meanwhile, Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif, adviser to the KP chief minister on information, accused Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz of politicising the tragedy.
“While she criticises Ali Amin Gandapur, the healthcare system in Punjab is collapsing,” Saif alleged.
He praised KP Chief Minister Gandapur for taking swift action, including the suspension of six officials over alleged negligence during the flood crisis.
