A heartbreaking tragedy struck Swat on Friday as 17 tourists drowned in the Swat River near the Bypass area during heavy rainfall. The group, in the region for sightseeing, was caught off guard by a sudden rise in the river’s water level and was swept away by the strong current, according to eyewitnesses.
Rescue operations were immediately launched, with Rescue 1122 and other emergency teams responding swiftly. So far, authorities have recovered seven bodies and managed to rescue three individuals alive. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining missing persons.
Swat Assistant Commissioner Dr. Nida Iqbal confirmed that Section 144 had been enforced a week earlier due to potential flood threats, restricting access to dangerous river areas. Despite these precautions, the tragic incident occurred.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rescue 1122’s Director General stated that 80 personnel are actively involved in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
