Pakistani Rescue Hero Muhammad Ali Swati Honoured with Tamgha-i-Imtiaz in Peshawar
PESHAWAR — Muhammad Ali Swati, the young rescuer from Mansehra who became nationally known after helping save stranded children during the Battagram chairlift emergency, was awarded the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz on Tuesday for his courage and service to humanity.
The award was conferred during an official ceremony in Peshawar, where Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi presented the civil honour on behalf of the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
Swati came into the national spotlight during the August 2023 Battagram chairlift incident, when a mechanical failure left several schoolchildren and local residents trapped high above a mountainous ravine in the Allai area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The rescue mission unfolded under intense conditions as strong winds and the damaged state of the chairlift complicated efforts to safely evacuate the passengers. With helicopters unable to fully execute the operation because of the dangerous terrain and weather conditions, local volunteers and rescue experts joined the mission on the ground.
Among them was Muhammad Ali Swati, a resident of Mansehra known for his experience in zipline and mountain rescue operations. He volunteered to take part in the highly dangerous effort that eventually succeeded in bringing all passengers back safely.
The operation continued for several hours and remained the focus of live national television coverage throughout the day and night. Images of rescuers moving across cables suspended above the valley became symbolic of resilience and bravery during a moment that had gripped the entire country.
The role played by Muhammad Ali Swati and fellow volunteers was widely appreciated across Pakistan, with many people praising the courage shown by local rescuers who stepped forward despite the risks involved.
In the months following the incident, calls emerged from across the country demanding state recognition for the civilian rescuers involved in the operation. Tuesday’s award ceremony marked the official acknowledgment of those efforts at the national level.
The Tamgha-i-Imtiaz is one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards and is presented to individuals who render exceptional services in various fields, including public welfare and national service.
Residents from Hazara Division and different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa welcomed the honour, describing it as a proud moment for the region. Many said the recognition reflects the sacrifices and dedication of ordinary Pakistanis who continue to respond during emergencies without expecting reward or recognition.
Nearly three years after the Battagram rescue operation captured international attention, Muhammad Ali Swati’s story continues to resonate across Pakistan as an example of courage, determination and humanity in the face of danger.