Clashes Erupt During Anti-Encroachment Drive in Swat

leading to the arrest of the city mayor and 51 others, who were later released after staging demonstrations against demolitions

Tensions boiled over on September 10, 2025, when protests against an anti-encroachment operation at Riverside in Swat turned violent, leading to the arrest of the city mayor and 51 others, who were later released after staging demonstrations against demolitions. The drive, aimed at clearing illegal structures along the Swat River following flood tragedies, sparked accusations of political bias and livelihood destruction, with over 40 structures razed. Authorities defended the action as essential for safety, but locals demanded dialogue, highlighting conflicts between development and community rights.

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