Pakistan Army Rescues Four Miners from Swat Emerald Mine Collapse

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On August 6, 2025, in the evening, a section of an emerald mine in the Malook Abad area of Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, collapsed, trapping four workers nearly 900 feet underground. The mine collapse occurred during extraction activity and triggered an immediate response from emergency services. A large-scale rescue operation was launched without delay under the supervision of District Emergency Officer Rafiullah Marwat and led by Rescue 1122, the provincial emergency service. The operation involved over 40 trained personnel and modern equipment. Medical teams were stationed at the site, and disaster responders worked tirelessly to reach the trapped workers. Rescue efforts continued for several hours into the night.

On August 7, all four trapped miners were safely rescued from the collapsed mine. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmad Faizi confirmed the successful recovery, noting that medical personnel provided immediate aid in ambulances. Pakistan Army teams also took part in the operation after being notified, further bolstering the rescue effort. Locals gathered at the site raised slogans such as “Long Live Pakistan Army” and “Pakistan Zindabad” to express appreciation for the swift and coordinated response.

The miners were identified as Saeed Ahmad Khan, Sadiq, Taj Khan, and Saeed Ali Shah, all hailing from Shangla district. They were working when the mine’s roof suddenly gave way, leaving them trapped underground. The joint efforts of Rescue 1122 and the Pakistan Army proved crucial in navigating the dangerous conditions inside the mine. After six hours of determined work, the teams were able to reach the men and bring them safely to the surface by 2:45 a.m. on August 7.

The incident has highlighted long-standing concerns over safety practices in Swat’s emerald mines. Experts and residents noted that mining operations in the region often lack scientific oversight and operate under weak regulation. Local voices warned that outdated methods and poor enforcement of safety protocols continue to endanger the lives of workers. The latest collapse has intensified calls for comprehensive reform, including standardized safety frameworks and mandatory training for miners.

While the rescue operation showcased the effective collaboration between Rescue 1122 and the Pakistan Army, the underlying regulatory deficiencies remain a critical issue. Authorities have pledged to investigate the cause of the collapse and to work toward enforcing stricter safety measures within the mining sector.