Report in Dawn, Sept 13th, 2023
SWAT: The leaders of Swat Qaumi Jirga here on Tuesday expressed their deep concerns over reemergence of terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Swat.
Led by Mukhtiar Yousafzai, jirga leaders from different areas including Sher Bahadurzada Khan, Khawaja Mohammad Khan, Irfan Chatan, Ahmed Shah, Akhtar Ali Khan, Sadiq Aziz, Sher Shah Khan, Fazal Ahad, Salahuddin and others told a news conference at Swat Press Club that people of the district stood resolute against further acts of terrorism in the area.
They said that the continuous increase in street crimes was worrying. “We are witnessing a resurgence of terrorist activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly Swat. These activities are causing significant concern among locals,” they said and added that under no circumstances would Swat tolerate terrorism.
The jirga leaders said that it was the responsibility of state to improve law and order. They said that people of Swat were unwavering in their commitment to preserving the hard-won peace. The people of Swat wanted peace and safety of their lives, they added.
They said that the previous government initiated negotiations with Taliban through Barrister Saif to facilitate return of terrorists to the region. They said that they were not against development, but it was demand of people that Swat Expressway should be constructed along the banks of river instead of agricultural lands.
“The people of Swat will stand united and launch a movement against grabbing their land by force,” they said.
They also showed concerns over the misuse of 3MPO and warned the district administration and police to refrain from arresting people illegally.
“It is not acceptable that police raid people’s houses in the darkness of night and violate Pakhtun culture by breaking into their houses,” they said. They said that Swat people stood up for protection of Pakistan during various eras. However, persistent unemployment and rising prices deprived them of their basic right to a decent life, they added.
“The people of Malakand division, including Swat, can initiate a protest movement if peace is not restored and the upward trend in prices is not halted,” said the jirga leaders.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1775564/swat-jirga-concerned-over-terrorists-regrouping
