In a landmark move, the KP government has divided Swat district into two separate units — Swat and Bar Swat — following a cabinet decision made on December 19, 2025. Accordingly, the government issued the move under sections 5 and 6 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Land Revenue Act, 1967, with the goal of improving governance, administrative efficiency, and public service delivery in the region.
New Districts and Headquarters
The administration announced that the newly created Bar Swat district will have its headquarters in Matta, while Swat district will retain Gulkada in Babuzai tehsil as its administrative center. Consequently, the government reorganized the district, arranging the tehsils as follows: Bar Swat will include Matta, Bahrain, and Khwazakhela, whereas Swat will comprise Babuzai, Kabal, Charbagh, and Barikot.
Furthermore, the provincial government has circulated the notification to all relevant federal and provincial departments to ensure immediate implementation. Officials stated that the bifurcation will allow them to focus governance, reduce administrative burden, and bring essential services closer to residents, particularly in the upper regions of Swat.
Public Reaction: Support and Concerns
The decision has received mixed responses from the local population. In Khwazakhela, residents welcomed the move, calling it a long-standing demand. Abdul Wali, a local trader, said, “For decades, people from upper Swat had to travel long distances to reach Mingora and Saidu Sharif for basic administrative and judicial matters. Now, courts, police offices, and district administration will be closer, saving time and money.”
Similarly, residents of Matta expressed optimism about improved governance and job opportunities. Social activist Shahzad Khan said, “This is a historic moment for Bar Swat. A district headquarters here will create jobs, strengthen law and order, and ensure faster resolution of public complaints.”
However, some residents raised concerns about the effectiveness of the new division. Hidayatullah, from Mingora, said, “Creating new districts does not automatically solve problems like population pressure, traffic congestion, or lack of facilities. Instead, better planning and resource allocation are more important than administrative fragmentation.” Saeed Ahmed warned that the bifurcation could deepen social divisions between Bar Swat and Swat, rather than foster unity. Additionally, others pointed out that the new administrative setup could increase the government’s financial burdens.
Government Perspective and Implementation
Officials emphasized that dividing Swat will improve service delivery and allow them to govern more effectively. By establishing separate district administrations, the authorities aim to decentralize administrative powers, enhance public service accessibility, and address local issues more efficiently. Moreover, the government is organizing staff, courts, and offices to ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted delivery of services.
The KP government’s decision to divide Swat reflects its ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and respond to long-standing demands from residents of Upper Swat. Ultimately, officials expect that the bifurcation will improve planning, accelerate decision-making, and promote equitable growth in both districts.
