SWAT: A government delegation, led by provincial minister for livestock, fisheries and cooperatives Fazal Hakim Khan, visited the native village of Farhan Ayaz, a young student who lost his life due to alleged torture at a seminary in the Chaliyar area of Khwazakhela here on Saturday.

The delegation included chairman district development advisory committee, Swat, Akhtar Khan Advocate, MNA Dr Amjad Ali, Bahrain tehsil chairman Mian Shahid Ali, Khalil Ahmad, assistant commissioner, Khwazakhela, Luqman Khan, and local religious scholars.

During the visit to Piya Madiyan village, the delegation met with the father of Farhan Ayaz, offered condolences, and prayed for the deceased.

The tragic incident, which took place earlier this week, has sent shockwaves across the region and renewed calls for regulation of seminaries.

Speaking on the occasion, provincial minister Fazal Hakim assured the bereaved family of the government’s full support. He pledged that all those involved in the incident would be brought to justice through strict and exemplary legal action.

During the visit, the provincial minister also contacted Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, who spoke with the deceased’s father via phone. The chief minister offered his condolences and assured the family that justice would be served.

“There will be no leniency for the perpetrators,” said Gandapur. “We stand with the oppressed and will ensure the same law applies to both the powerful and the weak.”

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2025