SWAT: In a decade-long struggle for restoration of peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s troubled district of Swat, Pakistan Army on Monday transferred administrative authority to the civil administration at a special ceremony held here.

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mehmood Khan and Corps Commander

Peshawar Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Bhut, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Salahuddin and GOC Swat Major General Khalid Saeed attended the ceremony, reported the state-run wire service.

During the function which was also attended by the area’s elders and other civil and military officers, symbol of authority was handed over to the Commissioner Malakand Division and Regional Police Officer (RPO).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of administrative authority was handed over to the chief minister of the province.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mehmood Khan appreciated Pakistan army for their successful struggle against terrorism and extremism for the restoration of peace in Swat, adding it had made history by transferring of powers to the civil administration.

In past, he maintained, there was complete darkness when terrorists wrecked havoc with the lives of innocent people and added he was himself an eye witness of those barbaric acts.

He recalled that terrorists did not spare the educational institutions and their buildings were destroyed. But these cowardly acts of the terrorism, the chief minister said, could not deter the resilient people of Swat and added that the Pak army, police force and other law enforcement forces completely defeated these elements and achieved lasting peace.

He said that Pak army actively took part in social welfare activities in the area and won hearts and minds of people. He lauded the civil administration, saying it had been successfully and efficiently handling the affairs of the district.

He said that several social welfare projects had been launched which would be timely completed.

He reiterated that police and civil administration would make concerted efforts for the development of the district.

In his address on the occasion Corps Commander Peshawar Nazir Ahmed Bhut said people of Swat witnessed worst security situations and about 3.5 million people became homeless.

He said Pakistan army completely eliminated the menace of terrorism from the area and in short span of four months, displaced people were resettled in their respective native areas.

He said the people of Swat faced curse of terrorism bravely and courageously, adding peace has returned and journey of the development was in progress in Swat.

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