What began as a serene morning along the Swat River ended in heartbreak. A flash flood swept away at least 17 lives, including several children and young adults, in a devastating turn of events that has left the entire country in mourning.
The families — many visiting from Sialkot and Mardan — were seated by the riverside near Mingora when a sudden, violent surge of water overtook them. Despite earlier flood warnings, there had been no enforcement of safety measures. Eyewitnesses said help took more than an hour to arrive, leaving locals to lead rescue efforts.
Celebrities across Pakistan took to social media, not just to grieve, but to demand action.
“Shocked and incredibly saddened… We need leadership,” Hadiqa Kiani posted, later adding, “This so-called system failed you.”
Hira Mani shared a heart-wrenching reflection: “A river that once sang songs of peace now roars with sorrow… Entire villages were swept away while the world remained unaware.” While no villages were reported destroyed, her words captured the overwhelming emotional toll.
Actor Yashma Gill revealed that over 16 members of one family were swept away. “Only three survived. Watching the video of their helplessness has torn my heart,” she wrote, also urging people to check weather and flood warnings before travelling.
The outpouring of grief continued with posts from Naseem Shah, Yasir Hussain, Zara Noor Abbas, and others — each echoing the same sentiment: this could and should have been prevented.
In response, KP’s Chief Minister ordered an inquiry and announced financial support for the victims’ families. Four officials have been suspended.
But for many, apologies and compensation are no longer enough. As the death toll rises and 10 remain missing, Pakistanis are calling for real reform — early warning systems, public awareness campaigns, and a disaster response model that doesn’t wait until tragedy strikes.