Brigadier Haider, Political Agent Bajaur Agency Jabbar Shah and Col Ayub along with 42 former militants who passed a technical skill rehabilitation course. PHOTO: INP
At least 47 ex-militants were freed after completing vocational training from Navi Sahar, an internment centre established by the Pakistan Army in Bajaur Agency.
A ceremony in this regard was arranged at the premises of the institute where Bajaur Political Agent (PA) Syed Abdul Jabar Shah, Pakistan Army North Sector Commander Brigadier Haider, Bajaur Scouts Commandant Colonel Ayub and other senior officials addressed the gathering to boost the morale of the rehabilitated former militants. This was the fourth batch of graduates to receive vocational training for carpentry and tailoring among other skills for 12 weeks.
“Terrorists defend the acts they commit in their self interest by using the name of Islam,” said Brigadier Haider once the audience settled down after the national anthem. He added the message of Islam is of peace and harmony for all of humanity, irrespective of cast or creed. Haider urged the militants to say no to militancy in the future.
Also speaking at the occasion, PA Jabar Shah appreciated efforts of the institute, which he said will bring a “new dawn” of peace and prosperity in the agency. He added the graduates will play a vital role in eliminating terrorism from the area through active participation in their respective communities.
Taking the podium later, one of the rehabilitated graduates pledged he will not engage in any act of militancy in the future and will work for the betterment of the society. He added he now knows Islam teaches peace and not terrorism, saying he will work for the welfare of the society to make up for what he has done in the past.
Stalls were also put up to display handicraft made by students.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 13th, 2013.
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If so - then why not address this issue and shut down the Madrassas rather than providing vocational training? Also - suggest you eliminate "militant" from your lexicon - organizations which target civilians for the purpose of creating terror are terrorist.
These militants are young men who have been swept away with the tide of war. Take out the leaders and key figures of the Taliban movement and save these young boys.
What's the guarantee that they won't rejoin terrorists? I say any involvement with a terrorist organization should be immediate death penalty, like it happens in malaysia.
This is a good start. If forty-seven militants can change then so can many more turn the tide. Let's all pray it rings a bellwether change, Inshallah. Ameen