PESHAWAR: The University of Swat, Hashoo Foundation and Akhuwat Foundation have inked an agreement to improve the socioeconomic status of Swat people by providing them interest-free loans.

The agreement was signed under the project ‘Da Kali Ranra’ (village light) during a ceremony held at the University of Swat, according to a press release issued here on Friday.

Centre for Excellence in Countering Violent Extremism, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the University of Chitral have also co-sponsored the project.

Under the MoU, in the pilot phase, 500 residents of Madyan, Khwazakhela, Mingora, Barikot and Charbagh tehsils would be provided interest-free loans.

The interest-free loans would be provided by the Akhuwaat Foundation.

The Hashoo Foundation would impart training to local community members at the University of Swat to help them set up micro and small businesses. Speaking on the occasion, University of Swat Vice-Chancellor Dr Hassan Sher thanked all the partner institutions for joining hands for welfare of people. He reiterated his resolve to improve the teaching and research standard at the varsity, besides improving the living standard of the local residents.

He also presented shields to Mohammad Kashif Irshad, senior manager Centre for Excellence in Countering Violent Extremism, Arshad Mehmood, project manager Akhuwat Foundation, Mehwish Afridi, director strategic support unit Hashoo Foundation, the University of Chitral vice-chancellor and other government officials.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2023