Rising Alarm in Swat Over Reported Resurgence of Militants in Border Hills

SWAT: Alarm is spreading throughout the Swat Valley as residents, peace activists, political figures and community elders report the alleged return of armed militants to mountainous terrains bordering Swat and Upper Dir districts.

They warn that a resurgence of militancy could threaten the hard‑earned peace that has been restored after years of conflict.

These concerns follow an attack on an Awami National Party (ANP) local leader in Shakardara, Matta tehsil, and reports from several villages of armed men patrolling nearby mountains.

Locals and elders emphasized that peace in Swat was achieved through immense sacrifices by both security forces and civilians. “We cannot afford to return to the dark days of militancy,” several elders remarked, urging authorities to act promptly and effectively to reassure the public and neutralise any threat.

According to residents, armed men have been observed patrolling the mountains overlooking Rodingar in Matta tehsil. Comparable reports have also surfaced from Charbagh tehsil, where villagers claim suspected militants were seen in remote mountainous zones.

Public anxiety intensified on July 12 after unidentified armed men opened fire on the Asharey police station. Police returned fire, and no casualties were reported.

Compounding the unease, videos circulated on social media by alleged militant affiliates purportedly show a drone, claimed to belong to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), being downed by militants. The video’s authenticity and the claim could not be independently verified.

In Khwazakhela tehsil, a large crowd protested the reported presence of militants in Matta’s mountains. Speakers Mukhtiar Yousafzai, Khurshaid Kakaji and Ajab Khan told the assembly that the people of Swat are fully aware of what they described as “planned scripts and dramas” accompanying the militants’ return.

“We will never allow any militant group to undermine peace in Swat. If law‑enforcement agencies fail to protect our land, the people ourselves will rise to defend peace,” the speakers declared.

The protesters stressed that conditions in Swat have fundamentally changed since the 2007 insurgency. “This is not the Swat of 2007. It is 2026. Every Swati now understands who the militants are and who sends them into our valley,” a speaker told the crowd.

In response to public concerns, Upper Swat Sub‑Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Habib Shah dismissed speculation linking the firing on the Asharey police station to militant activity.

He told local media that the exchange of fire took place between two rival groups in the village and that police have launched an inquiry. He added that CTD personnel are conducting routine surveillance and monitoring operations in the mountainous areas.

He also rejected social‑media claims that a CTD drone had been downed by militants, stating that no such incident took place.

The district police officer (DPO) of Upper Swat, Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, also asserted that lasting peace persists across the district and that police remain fully alert to any emerging threats.

“We are vigilant and prepared to address any security challenge,” he said, urging the public not to be swayed by unverified social‑media reports.

Despite the official assurances, residents are still demanding increased security patrols, greater transparency and timely communication from the authorities, arguing that maintaining public confidence is vital to preserving the peace secured through years of sacrifice.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2026

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