COAS visits Kalam Festival in Swat

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif visited the Kalam Festival in Swat on its concluding day, ISPR said in a press release on Monday.

During his visit Army Chief General Raheel Sharif appreciated the people of Swat for playing a vital role in support of security forces in revival of peace in the area and bringing festivals and tourism back to the valley.

COAS said that dark-age of terrorism prevailed in Malakand Division till a few years back and it had become impossible to hold such functions in Swat. But sacrifices and firm commitment of the valiant soldiers of Pakistan Army, civil forces and the local people has eliminated terrorism from Malakand Division.

Expressing hope that tourism will flourish in the beautiful land of Swat, COAS assured that Army will always stand by people of Swat and help build capacity of civilian institutions. He reiterated that terrorists will not be allowed to return to these areas and disrupt peace and stability of Swat. COAS appreciated the organisers for arranging such an excellent event.