MINGORA: Where prolonged power outages and sizzling heat have forced the people to flock to the Swat River, it has also created income generating opportunities for others as they sell used swimming costumes at the riverside.

During the summer season, residents of different parts of lower Swat have thronged the Swat River to cool off.

“We have no option but to come to the river and spend the hottest hours of the day in the cool waters,” said Abdul Ali, a resident of Malookabad.

The swimmers praised the cold water of Swat River, saying it had medicinal and soothing effect on human body.

“This is a natural swimming pool for people, giving them great relief from scorching heat,” said Ibrar of Sharif Abad.

There were also a large number of child swimmers. “I daily come to the river with my elder brother and swim for three to four hours as I love swimming,” said Hussain Ali, 12, who is from Rang Mohallah area of Mingora.

However, presence of a large number of tourists along the river has also created income generating opportunities for poor people who either sell food items or second-hand swimming costumes.

“I sell used swimsuits along the Swat River, earning about Rs3,000 a day,” said Sher Ali Khan of Sangota. He said he bought the second-hand swimming costumes from Karachi. “I sell a swimsuit at Rs20, and am happy with the business, but on a cloudy day my sale comes down as people do not come to the river,” he pointed out. “With extra saving during Ramazan, I’m able to do Eid shopping for my family.”

ARRESTED: Kanju police have arrested a man faking as an official of an intelligence agency, and recovered wine and DVDs containing pornographic content from him.

According to police, a woman from Charbagh complained to police that a man, showing himself to be an ISI colonel, told her that he would get her husband released from the custody of security forces. But, she said when she went to his house he allegedly raped her.

The police quoted the woman as saying that the man also deceived many other women. Following the woman’s complaint the police arrested the man. He disguised himself as Colonel Zahir of ISI, who was reportedly a contractor from Bannu and lived in Kanju town of Kabal tehsil.

THREE KILLED: Three people, including a woman, were killed in different incidents here the other day.

According to Gul Kada police, a man was shot dead and another was injured by their neighbours over a petty dispute. The deceased was identified as Elam Khan, and the injured Sabir Khan.

The police arrested Zahid Khan, Nisar, Imran and Hamza, for being allegedly involved in the incident.

In another incident, Bacha Hussain shot dead his brother-in-law, Ikramullah, over a domestic issue in Kanju.

The culprit managed to escape the area, while police registered FIR and began investigations.

Meanwhile, body of a woman was found from the Swat River at Bamakhela area of Matta tehsil. The body was placed for identification at the Matta police station.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2016