MINGORA: The rescuers recovered the body of another drowned child identified as Daniyal from Mardan as rescue efforts continued on the third consecutive day of the Swat River tragedy on Sunday.
His body was found downstream in Charsadda, bringing the official death toll to 12.
Rescue officials confirmed that out of the 17 people who were swept away by the gushing water on June 27, four were rescued, while one child, reportedly from Sialkot, still remained missing.
Rescue 1122 teams using advanced search equipment, were tirelessly continuing their search operations across various locations, including Barikot, Ghaligy, Manyaar, and Charsadda. The operation was being directly overseen by the District Emergency Officer of Rescue 1122 Swat.
Citizens were advised to stay away from riverbanks due to persistently high and dangerous water levels.
In the wake of the incident, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur ordered a sweeping anti-encroachment operation along the banks of the Swat River.
Launched from Kanju Ayub Bridge to Fizzagat, the operation was being conducted by the district administration, police, Rescue 1122, and the Irrigation Department. Officials said 49 illegal structures would be demolished to restore the river’s natural flow and ensure public safety in future emergencies.
However, the operation has sparked strong backlash from residents and business owners.
On Sunday, protesters blocked the Fizzagat Bypass road, accusing the administration of targeting small hotels while ignoring influential figures with alleged illegal properties. Protesters demanded that action should be taken against Federal Minister Amir Muqam’s hotel, which they claimed also encroached on the riverbank.
Holding court documents, they decried the operation as unlawful and discriminatory and said it was being carried out without prior legal notice.
Protesters further announced their intention to file legal proceedings against both the district administration and the provincial government.
