SWAT: Even five months after the flooding, the disaster-hit residents and shopkeepers in Mingora city are waiting for the release of promised relief funds to their frustration and financial hardship.
On August 15, 2025, Mingora witnessed one of the worst floods in its history when torrential rains triggered flash floods, severely damaging thousands of homes and commercial establishments across the city.
According to residents of the affected areas, floodwater carrying heavy sand and mud entered homes up to a height of nine feet, destroying household items, furniture, electrical appliances, and important documents. Many families said they suffered losses worth millions of rupees and are still struggling to rebuild their lives without government assistance.
Commercial areas were also badly hit. The worst-affected market was Cheena Market, a popular shopping center for women and one of the busiest commercial hubs in Mingora. Floodwater inundated shops, damaging goods, shop structures, and equipment.
Cheena Market Association president Roshan Ali and general secretary Adalat Khan said that Cheena Market alone had more than 6,000 shops.
They said the government had announced financial compensation for flood-affected traders and assured them of timely assistance. However, despite the passage of several months and not a single shopkeeper has received any relief amount.
The flood-affected shopkeepers pointed out that flood victims in other districts had already received relief funds.
“It is extremely disappointing that flood victims in other districts have been compensated, while those in Swat are still being ignored,” a shopkeeper said.
The residents said the delegations of affected traders and residents had met their elected representatives, including MPAs and MNAs, several times, but to no avail.
The resident said despite repeated meetings and assurances, no practical steps had been taken so far.
Many shopkeepers said prolonged delays had pushed them into debt, as they had to borrow money to restart their businesses. Some traders are still unable to reopen their shops due to a lack of financial resources.
When contacted, personal secretary to the deputy commissioner Usman Ali said that the district administration had completed the verification process and prepared lists of all flood-affected households and shopkeepers.
He added that these lists had already been forwarded to the provincial government and that the release of funds was awaited.
The flood victims urged the provincial government and relevant authorities to immediately release the promised relief funds, warning that further delays will deepen their economic suffering.
Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2026
