Pakistan's Indigenous Torwali People Fight to Protect the Swat River

• The Torwali people are campaigning to halt the 207 MW Madyan hydroelectric project, which threatens the ecosystem, cultural heritage, and livelihoods tied to the Swat River.
• In April 2026, the provincial cabinet approved a withdrawal from the project, though uncertainty remains regarding future challenges or alternative development schemes.
• The Save River Swat Movement (Darya-e Swat Bachau Tehreek) has utilized formal complaints, international advocacy, and mass demonstrations to oppose the project.

Historical Context and Impact

• The Daral Khwar Hydropower project serves as a cautionary tale: its construction dried up riverbeds, disrupted local agriculture, and created safety hazards for children.
• The Torwali community views the river as a sacred, central part of their identity and history, rather than a mere natural resource.

Challenges and Resistance

• Activists report intimidation by local authorities, including threats of imprisonment and the framing of opponents as working against national interests.
• Despite UN declarations requiring Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), the community faced rushed hearings and inaccessible documentation.
• The World Bank, which is funding the $450 million project, has faced criticism for failing to recognize the Torwali as an Indigenous people, a classification that would require specific safeguard policies.
• While the World Bank commissioned a screening on the community's indigeneity in 2025, findings have not yet been disclosed.