Govt ignores Battagram chairlift rescue hero for civil award

The nation is in a state of shock as the government had ignored Muhammad Ali Swati, who rescued eight people stranded in a chairlift at a height of 600ft in Batta­gr­­am in August last year.

The incident happened on August 22, 2023, when eight people including five children were travelling to school in a cable car, leaving them dangling precariously several hundred feet above a river. 

Combined efforts lasting around 14 hours involving military personnel, rescue workers, and locals were ultimately successful.

However, Ali Swati took the risk and saved the lives of five children stranded in a chairlift.

President Asif Ali Zardari had conferred Pakistan’s highest civil awards on a number of Pakistani citizens as well as foreign nationals in recognition of their distinction, excellence, contributions, and show of valour in different fields on Pakistan Day (March 23).

However, the government did not recognise the efforts of the brave man.