WEBDESK: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has ordered the immediate closure of all hotels, restaurants, and commercial activities along the banks of the Swat River to prevent loss of life and property during the ongoing monsoon season.
Sec 144 imposed along Swat, Panjkora riverbank
Authorities confirmed that Section 144 had already been enforced across the province, banning recreational activities in rivers, streams, and other water bodies, including the Swat River after the recent Swat flash flood.
District and local administrations have launched extensive awareness campaigns, urging tourists and residents to stay away from riverbeds and avoid risking their lives near the Swat River. Public safety messages are being widely circulated through media outlets, social media, and loudspeaker announcements in public spaces.
Heavy Rainfall Alerts Issued Nationwide
Meanwhile, heavy monsoon rains continue to lash different parts of the country. Authorities have issued alerts, advising people in vulnerable areas, especially near the Swat River, to take extra precautions and follow safety guidelines.
According to officials, a tragic incident took place in the Swat River, where 17 people were swept away by the fast-rising floodwaters. Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of 10 victims so far, with 10 hailing from Sialkot’s Daska area and 6 from Mardan.
Deputy Commissioner Swat, Shehzad Mahboob, confirmed that while the flood situation has now stabilised, several individuals ignored the restrictions under Section 144 and entered the river for swimming. He appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities to avoid further tragedies. Several cases have also been registered against those violating the ban.
Ongoing Risks and Rescue Operations
Authorities stated that investigations into how the incident occurred are still underway, and a detailed report will be shared soon. Rescue teams have successfully evacuated 63 individuals from different areas in Upper and Lower Swat.
Earlier, Commissioner Malakand Abid Wazir reported that a family from Sialkot had travelled to Swat for sightseeing when the tragedy struck. He stressed that Section 144 remains in effect along both the Swat River and the Panjkora River and urged tourists to avoid entering river areas, particularly during the monsoon period when flood risks remain dangerously high.
Officials continue to appeal to citizens and visitors to strictly observe safety precautions and avoid unnecessary movement near the Swat River and other water bodies during the ongoing monsoon rains.
Swat has witnessed a heartbreaking tragedy after a sudden flash flood claimed several lives. According to reports, people who had gathered for leisure by the river Swat were caught off guard when the water level rose without warning, bringing a powerful flood with it.
