Terrorists’ designs are foiled: governor

KALAM: Governor Sardar Mahtab Ahmed Khan on Friday said that the evil designs of the terrorists had been foiled as a result of the military operations and the sacrifices made by the soldiers and the people.
Addressing a function arranged on the occasion of the second day of the 5th Swat Tourism and Trade Festival at Shahi ground here, he said the natural beauty in the northern Pakistan was universally acknowledged and there was no example to be found in the world of the beauty so far bestowed by the Almighty Allah on the northern areas.
However, he said it was need of the hour that in the whole northern belt town planning, drainage system, forests and water resources be managed in a better way.
General Officer Commanding, Malakand Army Division, Swat, Maj Gen Nadir Khan, Commissioner Malakand Division Capt (Retd) Luqman, DIG Malakand, Azad Khan and high civil and military officers were also present on the occasion.
The governor said the 5th Swat Tourism and Trade Festival was a clear proof of the fact that evil designs of the terrorists had been foiled. He said Pakistan was the only Islamic power in the world that was marching towards development and prosperity.
He said after successful launching of the operations Zarb-i-Azb, Khyber-1 and II and sacrifices of the Pak Army and other security forces as well as the people had resulted in the establishment of a peace.
The governor emphasised that the Kalam festival be celebrated like Shandur festival in Chitral. He said that the proposal to develop the Kalam Shahi ground according to the military standard would be considered.
Sardar Mahtab expressed satisfaction over the fact that Kalam festival was going better every year. He commended the efforts of the Pak Army, civil administration and the festival organisers and announced Rs1 million each to the participating teams in the festival and for the rehabilitation of Chitral district affectees.
He also lauded the gallant deeds of the Chitral Scouts.
Earlier, the governor visited the cultural stalls of defense instruments, handicrafts and other sectors arranged on the occasion.
The GOC presented welcome address and threw light on the efforts for the restoration of peace in the region and importance of the Kalam festival.
Qazi Tufail and Qazi Arsalan hoisted Pakistani flag with the help of para-gliders. The festival will continue till September 7.