A large number of social activists, elders of the Swat Qaumi Jirga, political workers and students greeted the new year by coming together to express solidarity and unity with people in other parts of the country.
The participants resolved to defend and work for peace in the valley which was restored after three years of mayhem.
Malalay Yousuf Zai, a student of Khushal Public School and College told The Express Tribune: “We have staged this rally for peace, not for temporary peace, but a stable and permanent one. We strongly demand that schools that could not be reconstructed in 2010 must be reconstructed in 2011.”
“Proper education is only possible if there is peace. Nothing substantial can happen amid all the disorder and mayhem,” said Malka-e-Noor, a female student participant of the walk.
Zahid Khan, member of the Global Peace Council and President Swat Hotel Association said: “We are still fearful about peace in the future because our civil government is still nothing more than a puppet, which means peace will never be sustainable. Through this walk, we want to bring the attention of the entire nation in general and world community in particular for our call for sustainable peace in our land.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 2nd, 2010.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ