Who is Sher Malik? The Brave Shepherd Who Lost His Hand but Saved Neighbours in Shangla Floods

In the middle of deadly floods in Shangla, one man’s courage has become a story of sacrifice and humanity. Sher Malik, a 57-year-old shepherd, risked his own life to save his neighbors trapped by flash floods in Daraad, Tehsil Puran.

A Night of Courage

The disaster struck during the night of August 14–15, when heavy rains and a sudden cloudburst caused destructive flooding. Malik heard desperate cries for help from a nearby home. The family had no men present, leaving children, women, and livestock surrounded by raging waters.

Malik rushed to their aid. First, he carried the children to safety, then he helped the women escape, moving them to his own house. Just when he thought the rescue was complete, the family begged him to save their animals too.

A Life-Changing Injury

Showing rare bravery, Malik returned for the livestock. But while pulling a goat to safety, part of the roof collapsed on him. He was trapped under heavy debris for three long hours. His arm was crushed, and though he eventually managed to escape, his injuries were so severe that doctors in Peshawar had to amputate his hand.

“I only did what a Muslim, a human, and a neighbor should do,” Malik said from his hospital bed.

Calls for Government Support

Local villagers have praised him as a hero but are also demanding urgent financial assistance, since Malik has lost his main source of livelihood as a shepherd. Without his hand, he cannot continue his work.

The Wider Tragedy in Shangla

The floods in Shangla have been catastrophic. According to officials, 36 people have died, including 31 in Tehsil Puran alone. Rescue teams are still searching for missing bodies in Khowar Banda and Shati Dara. Crops and livestock have also been swept away, worsening the suffering of already struggling families.

Sher Malik’s story is a reminder of how individual bravery can shine even in the darkest moments of disaster.