Foundation stone for cantonment in Swat laid

COAS says cantonment ­in Swat to act as a deterrent for terrorists

MINGORA: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak, laid the foundation stone of the Swat Cantonment here on Friday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISRP) said.

It said the Swat Cantonment was approved on September 8, 2015 on the popular demand by the people in view of the much-needed, long-term security for the region.The ISPR said the Pakistan Army chief visited Mingora, Kanju and Khwazakhela in the Swat district on Friday.

Speaking at the occasion, General Raheel Sharif paid his gratitude to the people of Swat for their valiant stand against the reign of terror and for standing alongside the security forces to throw the terrorists out of the valley.

Terming it a historic day, the COAS congratulated the people of Swat on the laying of the foundation stone of the Swat Cantonment and reaffirmed the army’s commitment to continue playing a solid role in bringing enduring peace to Swat.

According to the ISPR, he said the establishment of cantonment in Swat would act as a deterrent for terrorists, boost the confidence of all law-enforcement agencies and help counter any threat to peace. 

"The cantonment will also contribute to socio-economic development of the area," he added. General Raheel stated that development of Fata and Malakand division was the top priority of the security forces. He said the Pakistan Army has undertaken more than 700 mega and minor projects so far in the social sector in the areas where military operations were carried out.

The projects are aimed at improving the quality of life of locals and addressing the problem of militancy on long-term basis, he added.  The COAS said the whole world acknowledged the Pakistan Army's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. He appreciated the continued support of locals in combating terrorism and acknowledged their sacrifices in war against terrorism.

The ISPR reported that the governor, chief minister and local elders thanked General Raheel and Pakistan Army for establishment of the cantonment with all its associated fringe benefits for the people of Swat. 

The COAS also visited the recently completed Sheikh Khalifa bin Zaid Model Hospital. Appreciating the quality of the hospital and its facilities, he along with the locals and hospital staff thanked the United Arab Emirates and its leadership for their contribution to the socio-economic development of the area. 

UAE Ambassador Essa Abdulla Albasha al Noaimi was also present on the occasion. Later, the army chief visited the under-construction, state-of-the-art Army Public School. Earlier on arrival, Corps Commander Peshawar Lieutenant General Hidayatur Rehman and General Officer Commanding Swat Major General Asif Ghafoor received General Raheel.