Shepherd loses hand while rescuing neighbours from floods in Shangla

A 57-year-old shepherd in Shangla has been hailed as a hero after risking his life to rescue eight members of a neighbouring family and their livestock during the recent flash floods in Puran tehsil.

Shangla was among the districts worst hit by recent floods triggered by a cloudburst, with at least 36 lives lost. Dozens of houses were swept away in Puran tehsil.

On the night of August 14, Sher Malik was at home when he heard desperate cries for help. Floodwaters had surrounded his neighbours’ house, trapping children, women, and cattle inside.

Malik dashed to his neighbour's home, guiding women and children to safety. After ensuring their well-being, he went back for the family's livestock.

But as he tried to pull out a goat, the house’s tin roof suddenly collapsed on him. His arm was badly crushed, leaving him pinned under the rubble for nearly three hours as floodwaters raged around him.

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He remained conscious despite his arm bleeding profusely. Malik's family sought help through mosque loudspeakers, and locals quickly came to his aid and pulled him out.

Malik was rushed to Peshawar for treatment, where doctors had to amputate his hand. Despite the life-changing injury, he says he has no regrets. 

As a Muslim, a human, and a neighbour, he felt it was his duty to protect them.

Malik’s villagers visited him, praised his bravery and urged the government to provide financial assistance.