SWAT:
The Spirit of Swat festival, which is currently taking place under the aegis of the Pakistan Army presented a colourful and energetic event on Saturday, which included several thrilling activities.
The event, which is the first of its kind in Swat, was witnessed by thousands of people in which hundreds of local and international players displayed their talent. Several activities such as paragliding, hang gliding, skydiving, marathon races and white river rafting were organised at the event.
During the event, a UK-based skydiver Andrew, along with two other skydivers set a world record by jumping from a height of 3,660 metres with the “largest” Pakistani flag.
“It gives me great pleasure to be here. I feel honoured to fly the biggest flag over Swat Valley, which is indeed a very memorable occasion and I am extremely thankful to the authorities for all their cooperation,” said Andrew while talking to media persons.
The event was organised with the assistance of Hawk Gliding Club. The club’s owner, Major (retd) Hamid Raza, said that the event was organised to streamline tourism in Swat and it has been a great success so far.
“The festival aims to provide the younger generation of Swat with multiple opportunities. We want to involve them in healthy and positive activities to regain peace in the region,” he claimed.
Captain Jamshed, the instructor of Peshawar Parachute Training Centre said, “The free fall jump was conducted 3,660 metres above sea level from a MI 17 plane, and the adventure athletes displayed various stunts during their free fall, after which their parachute opened at a height of approximately 1,220 metres.
“This is the first time ever that we are having such a high profile skydiving competition. Swat is a suitable place for this activity and we have received a great response from the local people,” Syed Ajmal Hussain, the chief instructor of skydiving.
The sports director of the military forces, Brigadier Iqtidar, who was also chief guest at the event, also appreciated the efforts of the participants.
Speaking on the occasion, he said Pakistan possessed a lot of potential in such activities which should be utilised effectively to engage people in healthy activities. He said such events would take place in the future as well.
The Spirit of Swat has been organised as part of the government’s bid to woo tourists back to the picturesque Swat valley. The 45-day event has been organised by the provincial government and the United Nations Development Programme with the assistance of the Pakistan Army.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 17th, 2011.
COMMENTS (23)
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Well my friends what I say is reality and Pakistanis love to live in wonderland. I dont understand the point of moderating when I am not abusing. What I say is an established fact? learn to live with it and accept reality and try to change your way of life if you want me to change my views.
Amazing... thanks to Andrew and Pak army...
Why excellent reports like this are not made headlines in ET??
positive and healthy activities are the token of peaceful people and countries. wish our country flourish with peace and development
Oh what a view! Flying like a bird must be a wonderful experience! Am jealous of these guys flying like a bird!
Thanks ET, I am also not a pashtoon , a punjabi rather but pashtoons are a vital part of Pakistan society and we love them. So, any thing along racist lines should not be allowed on ET. Thanks
commendable and great. excellent report thanks
Thank you ET for deleting the first comment. Kindly keep a strict policy on allowing such comments at the first place.
Who is Umair Waheed Sheikh????
I really wish the people of Swat the very best. They are wonderful people and have suffered some of the most difficult times in this war. May Allah bless them and get them back on their feet. A big thanks to the UK-based skydiver Andrew for the spectacular show!
Guys even though I haven't read the comment from Umair Waheed Sheikh, Khayban e Hafiz,IBA Karachi, on this news piece but I know for a fact that he's a bigot from his comments that he posts on other ET articles. ET should ban his comments in the future!
good..very positive and something really nice to show the world. Good job people of SWAT.. I really wish you visit Swat ASAP.
@ umair... think about your statement again..
@ET...how could you publish such a racist comment. Shame on you mr. Umair
Why has Express Tribune allowed the first comment? Does that not come under racism?
Kudos. Also see the below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE71aKXjss0
@Umair Waheed Sheikh, Khayban e Hafiz,IBA Karachi: You should have not said this. Pashtun are making 40% of our Ar,y strength and 30% civil services. They are patriotic and have proven record of protecting country's honor. I am not a pashtun but the fact is this is not a time to talk on ethenic lines
Thank you Mr. Andrew for setting the world record in a free fall from 3660 meters with the biggest Pakistani Flag.
My dream was that some one should fly the Pakistani Flag sky high which you have fulfilled. .
Oh what a view! Flying like a bird must be a wonderful experience! Am jealous of these guys flying like a bird!
@ Umair Waheed Sheikh Shame on you...
Surely you could have found out the world record setting individuals last name? Or does "Andrew" not have one, or is this just a press release?
Absolutely fantastic picture! Thank you Andrew --- This actually is a great gift to the people of swat. God bless you sir!