A heart-wrenching tragedy struck Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on June 27, 2025, when 11 members of a single family drowned in a sudden surge of floodwaters in the Swat River. The incident, which occurred during a family picnic near the river, has left the nation mourning and raised critical questions about emergency response systems and public safety measures in tourist areas. Despite ongoing rescue efforts, the loss of lives underscores the dangers of unpredictable weather and the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols.

The Tragic Accident

According to reports, the victims, primarily from Sialkot and Mardan, were enjoying a picnic near the Swat River when the tragedy unfolded. Swat Deputy Commissioner Shehzad Mehboob confirmed that 17 individuals were swept away by a sudden surge of high water on Friday morning. Of these, nine bodies have been recovered, four individuals were rescued alive, and efforts continue to locate the remaining four missing persons. Among the victims, 10 were residents of Sialkot, six were from Mardan, and one was a local from Swat.

In an interview with Geo News, a distraught family member recounted the harrowing ordeal, explaining that the group was having breakfast and drinking tea when some children ventured near the river to take selfies. “At that time, there was not much water in the river,” he said. Tragically, 10 members of his immediate family were swept away, with only one woman’s body recovered so far, while the search continues for nine children.

Rescue Efforts

Rescue operations were launched immediately after the incident was reported, with the Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122 personnel, and local authorities working together to locate survivors and recover bodies. However, strong river currents and the mountainous terrain have made the operations challenging. The family member reportedly noted that rescue officials arrived hours after the incident, by which time many victims could not be saved.

Official Response

Swat’s Deputy Commissioner reiterated that Section 144, which prohibits bathing in or approaching the river, was in force at the time of the incident. Despite these restrictions, tourists continue to venture into dangerous areas, raising concerns about compliance and awareness. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has formed an inquiry committee, led by the chairman of the provincial inspection team, to investigate the causes of the tragedy and identify any institutional lapses. The committee, which includes the Inspector General of Prisons and the Director of Administration of the Excise Department, has been tasked with submitting its findings within seven days. The inquiry aims to propose preventive measures to avoid such tragedies in the future.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari expressed their condolences, with the former ordering an immediate search operation for the missing persons and directing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to issue precautionary measures near rivers and streams amid extreme weather conditions. President Zardari shared his sympathies, stating, “I express my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased. May Allah Almighty grant the deceased a place in the realm of mercy and grant patience to those left behind.”