MINGAWARA: Forty-six young men formerly belonging to militant groups were passed out after having completed their vocational training in Rastoon, an institution run by armed forces, in a ceremony attended by Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani on Tuesday. United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Pakistan Sheikh Zaid bin Al Nahyaan, Corps Commander Peshawar Lieutenant General Asef Yaseen Malik and others were also present on the occassion.
These men, belonging to different areas of Swat, were associated with Taliban and expressed the willingness to be rehabilitated after being netted out in the recent military operation. They were given primary education and basic training in welding, electrification, carpentry, tailoring and others. Some of the educated youngsters were also imparted computer education. General Kayani expressed pleasure over the restoration of peace in the region, adding that the sacrifices made by the people and the army will not go to waste. He said the talented youth of the region will also be recruited in the army. Earlier, the COAS and the UAE ambassador laid the foundation stone of Gammon Bridge at Barikot.
The bridge was washed away in the recent floods and will be reconstructed with an estimated amount of RS100 million to be provided by UAE government.
