Rehabilitation programme: Mishal Centre releases 60 former militants

More than 1,000 people have so far completed training.

GULIBAGH:

Sixty former militants were released from Mishal Centre, the army-run rehabilitation centre in Gulibagh, Swat following the completion of their training.

A certificate distribution ceremony was held on Friday for the rehabilitated ex-militants at Mishal centre with Malakand Division Commissioner Afsar Ali invited as chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Ali said he was pleased to distribute certificates to those who had reformed themselves and successfully disengaged from violence and extremism.

“These men are now peaceful citizens and will work towards the betterment of their region and country,” said Ali, adding 1,189 ex-militants have so far been released from the rehabilitation centre.

“They are earning a livelihood for their families by doing respectable jobs,” he maintained.

Talking about peace in the valley, the chief guest said it was restored after many sacrifices rendered by the army, police and people of Swat.

“Sacrifices never go to waste. Peace in Swat is durable and life has returned to normal,” said Ali.

Since Mishal Centre’s inception, a total of 1,189 former militants out of 1,196 have been successfully rehabilitated and have graduated from the centre after completing academic and skill-building training.

The programme was funded by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government at a cost of Rs210 million and initiated by the Pakistan Army for people actively involved in militancy.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2013.