KP Government Splits Swat Into Two Districts to Improve Governance

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has formally bifurcated the historic and world-famous Swat district into two separate administrative units, Swat and Bar Swat, with immediate effect. The decision has been notified officially and marks a significant administrative change in one of Pakistan’s most prominent tourist regions.

The move was approved during a provincial cabinet meeting held on December 19, 2025, and implemented under Sections 5 and 6 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Land Revenue Act, 1967. According to the notification, the restructuring aims to reduce administrative pressure and improve access to public services for residents across the valley.

Under the new arrangement, Bar Swat district will have its headquarters in Matta. The tehsils included in Bar Swat are Matta, Bahrain, and Khwazakhela. Meanwhile, the remaining Swat district will retain its headquarters at Gulkada in Babuzai tehsil, covering Babuzai, Kabal, Charbagh, and Barikot tehsils.

Provincial authorities say the division is intended to bring governance closer to the people, especially those living in upper Swat areas who have long complained about difficulties in accessing administrative offices. Officials argue that a smaller administrative footprint will allow for quicker decision-making, improved law and order, and better planning at the local level.

The announcement has generated mixed reactions among residents. In Khwazakhela and surrounding upper Swat areas, many locals have welcomed the decision, calling it a long-standing demand. Residents say they often had to travel to Mingora or Saidu Sharif for routine legal, revenue, and administrative matters, which was both time-consuming and costly.

In Matta, optimism is also visible. Local voices believe that becoming a district headquarters could bring new government offices, job opportunities, and infrastructure development. Community activists expect the new setup to help authorities respond more effectively to public complaints and security concerns.

However, skepticism remains in other parts of Swat. Some residents in Mingora have questioned whether administrative bifurcation alone can address deep-rooted issues such as traffic congestion, population pressure, and shortages in health and education facilities. They argue that previous administrative changes did not always translate into meaningful development on the ground.

There are also concerns that the split could create social or political divisions within the valley. Critics caution that without proper planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, the creation of a new district could increase administrative costs without delivering proportional benefits.

Government officials, however, insist that the bifurcation will enable focused governance, more efficient use of resources, and balanced development across both districts. Relevant federal and provincial departments have been informed to begin implementation, including the establishment of new offices and administrative structures.

As Swat continues to grow in population and tourism importance, the success of this decision will largely depend on how effectively the new districts are managed in the coming months.