In a bid to stimulate tourism sector in the Swat Valley, Malakand administration Saturday announced that it would hold month-long festive activities called ‘Spirit of Swat’ from June 18 till July 20 next.
During this period, the civilian departments and armed forces would jointly organise various activities in the valley. Speaking at news conference Malakand Commissioner Dr Fakhar Alam Irfan said the purpose behind the ‘Spirit of Swat’ was to attract domestic and foreign tourists. Irfan recalled that the tourism once used to be backbone of Swat’s economy and it had been badly affected by militancy in recent years. He stressed the need to reinvigorate tourism sector to bring the valley back to life.
He said in addition to local talent, singers and artistes from the rest of the country would also participate in the ‘Spirit of Swat’ adding that musical concerts, culture shows, exhibition of local handicrafts and sports events would be part of the events.He said the festivals would be arranged in Mingawara, Miandam, Madayan, Bahrain and Kalam. He said over Rs 30 million might be spent on the ‘Spirit of Swat’. Earlier, the commissioner visited Mashaal Centre in Charbagh which is a rehabilitation facility for the militancy-prone youth of the region. The centre is training young men to earn an upright living by learning new skills. The commissioner distributed certificates and gifts among 215 young men who had completed their basic courses.