• PM approves brigade-level cantonment in Swat, says de-radicalisation centres could be replicated in other parts of the country
• Says youth loans to be granted on merit, not party affiliation
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said extremist elements in the country are not enemies of Pakistan, “they have just lost their direction”.
Speaking during a visit to the de-radicalisation center at Sabawoon in Mingora, Swat, Nawaz said that the government was striving to free Pakistan from extremism and that he was aware of the unemployment and economic deprivation in different parts of the country. He said these problems were being addressed through striving toward a more uniform distribution of national resources in these parts of the country
Nawaz hoped that the de-radicalisation initiative could be replicated in other parts of the country. “I wish that this programme is extended to other parts of the country as well, where the youth has adopted such path and needs attention. They should be made healthy members of the society through constructive engagement.”
“They are not enemies of Pakistan but have lost their direction,” he added.
He lauded the role of Pakistan Army in the rebuilding of the town’s infrastructure and approved the construction of a cantonment in the city.
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Asim Bajwa tweeted that the prime minister had “acknowledged the army’s efforts in bringing peace” and “approved a brigade-sized cantt for Swat”.
The de-radicalisation centre is rehabilitating the youth of the affected areas of Swat. According to Major General Bajwa, over 2, 200 youth have been reintegrated into the society till now.
Nawaz commended the armed forces for restoring peace in the area and completing the reconstruction of schools, hospitals, roads and bridges in collaboration with the civic administration and the people. He said their services would be remembered for long.Youth Business Loan Scheme
The prime minister also addressed applicants of the Youth Business Loan Scheme at Swat. He said he supported a population-based division of resources for an equitable distribution.
He said the people of Swat, Malakand and adjoining areas have suffered a lot during the past few years and unfortunately couldn’t get ample opportunities for development.
“The people of Swat are most deserving for this scheme”, he said.
The prime minister further said that there are no political considerations of this scheme.
“I am the prime minister of Pakistan and it is my responsibility to serve people of all provinces without any differentiation,” said Nawaz. He added that the award of loan is purely based on merit and nepotism or favouritism will not be afforded at any cost.
“Banks never entertained our youth who wanted to stand on their feet, and only catered for the powerful elite. Through this scheme we have opened the previously closed bank doors for our youth, which is a first example of its kind,” he said.
He advised the applicants to utilise this opportunity not only for their own benefit but also for the collective benefit of the Pakistani nation.