SWAT: The Swat Qaumi Jirga on Monday expressed deep concern over the ‘worsening’ law and order situation in the valley and ‘possible takeover’ of the district by terrorists.

The jirga leaders and elders expressed their fears during a meeting of the forum held here on Monday. Akthar Ali Khanji chaired the meeting.

They claimed that there were reports of presence of terrorists in mountains, including Elam Mountain.

The participants included Mukhtar Yousafzai, Sher Shah Khan, Abdul Qahar Khan, Haji Zahid Khan, Sher Bahadur Khan, Shamsher Ali Khan, Irfan Chattan, Abdul Khaliq Khan, Ahmad Shah Khan, Umar Ali Yousafzai, Dr Khalid Mehmood, Shah Rom Khan, Fazal Maula Khanji and Khurshid Kakaji.

Swat jirga concerned over regrouping of terrorists

The participants said reports about the existence of safe havens for terrorists was worrying for them and a question mark on the ability of law enforcement agencies.

The elders asked the people to stay alert to any untoward situation.

They also expressed concern about the alleged takeover of lands and forests owned by the people of Malakand division for centuries by the authorities. They vowed never to relinquish their lands and forests.

They also reiterated their opposition to the proposed route of the Swat Expressway’s phase-2, as they said it would destroy their farmland and orchards. They regretted that despite resolutions passed in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and Senate, instructions of Malakand division commissioner and protests of the people, some elements were adamant to construct the expressway on the same route for their ‘vested’ interest.

The participants insisted the proposed route was technically wrong, and suggested the government build expressway along the river bank.

The elders also vowed to strongly oppose enforcement of the Customs Act in Swat.

The jirga participants also opposed imposition of any tax in the Malakand division and decided to call a meeting of political leaders and civil society activists to draw a future line of action to his effect.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2023