Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on Monday announced a special honour for two young men from Swat, Muhammad Hilal Khan and Asmat Ali, who courageously rescued tourists during a recent flash flood in the Swat River.
During a ceremony at the Governor House, the governor lauded the selfless bravery of the duo, who risked their lives using a makeshift raft to save those stranded in the fast-rising waters. In recognition of their actions, Governor Kundi announced that both men would be sent on an all-expenses-paid Umrah pilgrimage.
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He also confirmed that their names would be formally recommended to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for national civil awards in acknowledgment of their humanitarian service.
“This is not only a tribute to their courage but also a message of encouragement for all citizens who step forward to help others in times of crisis,” said the governor.
Governor Kundi further directed the Red Crescent Society to enhance emergency response capacity in Swat by equipping local offices with rescue boats and necessary gear to deal with future natural disasters.
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Both Hilal Khan and Asmat Ali expressed gratitude for the recognition, calling it a moment of pride for their families and community.
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Meanwhile, the provincial administration continues to face scrutiny over the broader management of the Swat tragedy. KP Adviser on Information, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for what he called “politicizing” the incident. He emphasized that disaster response should remain above political agendas and urged focus on relief and accountability.
The government has also formed a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic flooding incident, which claimed several lives and left others missing.
