Residents of Swat want peace, education, opportunity

Speakers at youth conference in Saidu Sharif urge government to create more opportunities for the young.

SWAT: Residents of Swat never gave up on their quest for education, even when they were forced into camps during the height of militancy and military operation in the valley.

The observation was shared during a two day youth conference in Saidu Sharif area of Swat called ‘Peace My Right,’ in which students, youth and people from different walks of life participated.

The conference chalked out the obstacles faced by the youth of Swat during militancy in the valley, the struggle of security forces in restoration of peace in the region and then the re-opening of educational institutes in the region after reconstruction.

Senior Swat journalist Shrinzada highlighted that even during the militancy in Swat, the youth never lsot its courage and continued to seek education, even when they were pushed into Internally Displaced Persons’ camps.

The journalist stressed that the youth in the valley needed not only education, but also extracurricular and cultural activities.

President of the Youth conference Natasha Bibi explained that through the conference they were trying to convoy the message of peace to the world and that the people of Swat want peace.

She stressed that the only thing lacking in the valley is opportunities for the youth. She urged the government to provide opportunity for the youth.

“Pakistani youth have established their identity throughout the world and had achieved great goals.”