Swat/Peshawar, June 28, 2025: The death toll from the Swat River tragedy climbed to 11 on Saturday after rescue teams recovered the body of another child, according to Rescue 1122. Efforts are underway to locate two individuals still missing, while four were rescued during the initial response.
The incident occurred when 17 members of a family from Sialkot were caught in a sudden and powerful surge of water while picnicking along the riverbank. Several family members were swept away by the current, prompting an extensive rescue operation.
Director General Rescue 1122 confirmed that the search operation has been ongoing for more than 24 hours and is being carried out simultaneously in Khwazakhela, Kabal Bypass, and Barikot. Over 120 personnel from Rescue 1122 units in Swat, Malakand, and Shangla are involved, using boats and specialized equipment to search both riverbanks and deep water zones.
In a significant administrative move, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government suspended the Deputy Commissioner of Swat for negligence and delays in coordinating rescue operations. The action comes amid mounting public criticism of the handling of the crisis. One Additional Deputy Commissioner, two Assistant Commissioners, and the district head of Rescue 1122 were also suspended a day earlier as part of a broader crackdown on official lapses during the emergency.
Separately, the KP government has launched a decisive crackdown on illegal encroachments along the Swat River. Faraz Ahmad Mughal, spokesperson for the KP Chief Minister, stated that an inquiry committee has approved immediate demolition of unauthorized structures along the riverbanks. “All such encroachments must be removed within three days,” Mughal said. He added that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has also ordered permanent registration of all hotels in the area to ensure regulatory oversight and public safety.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that the threat of heavy rainfall and flash floods in the region remains high and will likely persist until at least Tuesday.
National leaders have reacted with deep concern and criticism. KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the provincial government’s response, describing it as “a shameful failure of duty.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he urged Chief Minister Gandapur to “show moral courage and resign,” noting that Gandapur also holds the tourism portfolio. Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other senior figures expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
