SWAT: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa president Eng Amir Muqam insisted on Sunday that the KP people had rejected the politics of confrontation and unrest and chosen the path of peace, development and stability.
Addressing a rally organised by the PML-N at Nishat Chowk in Mingora to mark Youm-i-Tashakkur (Day of Gratitude) and Youm-i-Nijat (Day of Deliverance), he said the people of Swat stood with Pakistan, peace and development and had rejected those spreading unrest through social media while remaining abroad.
Muqam said the people of Swat had made immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and the restoration of peace, which could never be forgotten. He said the prevailing peace in the region was the result of the sacrifices made by residents and the efforts of the security forces, adding that further measures were needed to ensure lasting stability.
He called on the federal government to withdraw the decision to impose taxes in Malakand division, citing the region’s underdevelopment, the devastating impact of terrorism and the economic difficulties faced by its people.
The minister said the people of Swat wanted access to subsidised bread, similar to the facility available in Punjab. He also demanded the removal of checkpoints restricting the transportation of flour, saying such restrictions created unnecessary difficulties for residents in obtaining essential food items.
Mr Muqam said the Swat Motorway’s Phase II project had been awarded seven years ago, but practical work had yet to begin. He expressed hope that construction would start soon, adding that the proposed Khwazakhela-Bisham Expressway would open up new opportunities for development and prosperity in the region.
Referring to the federal leadership, he said Pakistan would move towards progress and prosperity under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
He praised the Pakistan armed forces for confronting an adversary many times larger than themselves, saying the nation was proud of their efforts.
Criticising the previous provincial governments, Muqam alleged that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had suffered from mismanagement, corruption and financial irregularities. He said the provincial government should have prioritised public welfare, law and order and good governance, but its agenda had largely revolved around securing the release of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.
He alleged that despite repeated terrorist attacks and the loss of civilian lives in the province, the government had failed to give adequate attention to the security situation.
Mr Muqam said the federal government had called for dialogue and a joint strategy to combat terrorism and restore peace, but, according to him, the required cooperation had not been forthcoming.
He stressed that the people of Swat had endured a prolonged struggle against terrorism and did not want to see the return of unrest to their region.
Commenting on the decision to impose an emergency in the area, Muqam said any such measure should aim to improve the law-and-order situation.
Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2026
