MINGORA: The army released the first instalment of the Rs 1 billion development package for Swat on Saturday.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony for the Rs 1 billion package at the Frontier Corps Kanju Camp, Peshawar Corps Commander Lt General Masood Aslam said the army went to Swat on the call of the former provincial government to restore peace and not to conquer the area. He urged the militants to lay down arms and contribute to the development of the area. The corps commander said the army wanted development and prosperity in Swat and that he was grateful to the people of Swat for co-operating with the army during its operation to restore peace.

He said the government had always called the army when a situation like that in Swat arose in any part of the country, and the army always handled it successfully. Swat would become a peaceful area again soon, he said, and its residents would feel safe. The corps commander said the army’s development package for Swat amounted to Rs 1 billion and the army was releasing 25 percent of the funds in the first phase. He distributed cheques among contractors to initiate the projects which form part of the package.

Swat Operation in-charge Major General Nasir Janjua said the situation in the area was so bad when the army arrived that it had no option but to launch an operation. The situation was now fully under the army’s control, he said. He said the army had protected not only the people of Swat but also the animals. General Janjua said the army was launching a development package of the people of Swat because it loved them.

He said the development package included 321 water schemes, 28 electricity projects, 125 kilometres of roads, 75 kilometres of streets, 40 bridges, furniture for schools, mosques and sports fields. staff report


Daily Times

I just hope this money is spent wisely and legally on welfare of Swat and its people.