MINGORA: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has said that terrorists will not be allowed to return to the Swat valley from where they have been driven out by committed soldiers of the Pakistan Army.

Addressing a large gathering of elders of Swat and tourists from across the country on the concluding day of the Swat tourism and trade festival at Kalam on Monday, the army chief praised the sacrifices rendered by the people of Swat and the positive role played by them in support of security forces in the war against terrorists and their efforts to restore peace in the valley.

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“Holding a tourism festival in Swat is an open message to the world that peace and normalcy have returned to the valley and it has become possible because of joint efforts and sacrifices of the people of Swat, security forces and civil forces,” the army chief said.

He said that the dark era of terrorism and extremism which had prevailed in Swat and other parts of the region in the past made it impossible to hold such major events and functions in the valley.

“The sacrifices and firm commitment of the Pakistan Army and civil forces and complete support of the local people have led to elimination of the ugly face of terrorism from here forever,” the army chief said.

“The Pakistan Army will always stand by the people of Swat to help build and streamline civilian institutions,” he declared.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2015

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