MINGORA, Nov 6: The army with the help and cooperation of local people made Swat valley a citadel of peace and tranquility, claimed Col Zeeshan, the new spokesman of ISPR in the district, here on Tuesday.

During his maiden visit to Swat Press Club and meeting with journalists, he said that maintenance of peace in Swat was joint responsibility of security forces, media and people of the region as they had rendered great sacrifices for the purpose.

He said that people of Swat had passed through critical and difficult times when the writ of government was challenged by a handful of militants in the valley.

It was a critical situation but journalists played a pivotal role at the risk of their lives, Col Zeeshan said. He added that journalists and their families suffered as they were threatened to stop them from carrying out their professional responsibilities. But they continued to inform people about the facts, he added.

The ISPR spokesman said that credit for restoration of durable peace in Swat went to journalists, security forces and people of the valley. He said that armed forces would not leave any stone unturned to make Swat a peaceful place where tourists from the country as well as abroad would come.

Col Zeeshan said that militants would not dare to enter the valley for fulfilling their nefarious designs.