Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Monday visited Kalam Festival on the concluding day of the event.
He praised the people of Swat for playing a vital role in support of security forces in revival of peace in the area and bringing festivals and tourism back to the valley.
The COAS said that the dark-age of terrorism prevailed in Malakand Division until a few years ago and it had become impossible to hold such functions in Swat. But sacrifices and firm commitment of the valiant soldiers of Pakistan Army, civil forces and the local people had eliminated terrorism from Malakand Division.
Expressing the hope that tourism would flourish in the beautiful land of Swat, COAS assured that the army would always stand by the people of Swat and help build capacity of civilian institutions. He reiterated that terrorists would not be allowed to return to these areas and disrupt peace and stability of Swat. COAS praised the organisers for arranging such an excellent event.
