MINGORA: The residents of Swat have expressed joy over nomination of former chief justice Nasirul Mulk as caretaker prime minister of the country.

The local people said that they were happy when they came to know that the nominated caretaker prime minister belonged to Swat. “This is our second happiness as few years ago the same person was appointed chief justice. We all Swatis feel pride and believe that Justice Nasirul Mulk deserves the position as he is highly qualified and a man of character,” said Fahad Bacha, a resident of Khwazakhela.

The residents of the district said that few years ago when Swat was shown on national and international media connected with terrorism and militancy they were sad and got hurt but ultimately they were happy as first CJP and then caretaker prime minister was appointed from the area.

“The people of Swat witnessed an ugly phase of history few years ago and we were hurt when national and international media highlighted militancy in Swat.

Now we are proud that a man from the same area has been nominated as caretaker prime minister,” said Samiullah, a resident of Mingora.

The local people said that residents of Swat were educated and peace loving and the appointment of caretaker prime minister from the valley would restore its good name once again.

Swati people also expected that the caretaker prime minister would bring some developmental projects to the war-torn and flood-affected valley.

“The previous two governments could not even construct our GT Road due to which residents of Swat and Shangla along with tourists face many problems. I hope that the caretaker prime minister as a Swati will construct the road at least,” said Suleman Khan, a resident Saidu Sharif.

The nominated caretaker prime minister belongs to a noble and educated family of Mingora and is known for social activities in Swat. “The father and uncle of Justice Nasirul Mulk were known for their social and philanthropic activities. I still remember that every year they used to distribute course books among students after annual examinations and for many years gave free medicines to patients,” said Imtiaz Ali, a resident of Panr. He added that he had received books from the family for five years during his school days.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2018