Residents of the scenic valley of Swat have announced their decision to stage a massive protest demonstration against what they termed as 'artificial terrorism' in the region as they rejected the government's latest counterterrorism effort ', Azm-e-Istehkaam'.
A council session under the auspices of the Swat National Jirga was held on Tuesday. The session was presided over by members of the Swat National Jirga's working committee and comprised national elders, district leaders of political parties, representatives of the Swat Traders Federation, lawyers, journalists, private schools management association, transport community, and other social organisations. The participants included national elders Mukhtiar Khan Yousafzai, Haji Zahid Khan, Sher Bahadur Khan, Abdul Jabbar Khan, Abdul Qahar Khan, Jamal Nasser Khan, Rahmat Ali, Qari Mahmoud, Dr. Khalid Mahmoud, Qayyum Khan, Saleem Khan, Hameedul Haq, Akhtar Ali Khan, Irfan Chattan, Raja Mumtaz, Ahmad Shah, Anwar Zaman, Ajab Khan, and Sher Shah Khan.
The council session rejected the so-called operation 'Azam-e-Istehkaam' and "artificial terrorism" which they claimed had been introduced in Swat. The council participants stated that the law and order situation in the Malakand Division, especially in Swat, was satisfactory. However, conspiratorial efforts are being made to revive artificial terrorism under state patronage, which has created a sense of fear and hatred among the people.
The council decided to stage a peaceful protest in Mingora on Friday, September 27, 2024, to thwart any anti-public plans. The session urged the residents of Swat to participate in the protest in large numbers.
The council session also approved several resolutions and decisions on other issues.
The national elders and representatives in the session assured their full cooperation with the Swat National Jirga. They authorised it to take action against terrorism and for lasting peace in Swat.