MINGORA: The Women Jirga in Swat on Friday urged the government, army and Taliban to announce ceasefire and adopt the path of negotiations to avoid further bloodshed in the country.
The Women Jirga held its meeting at Saidu Sharif in Swat with Tabassum Adnan in the chair.Speaking on the occasion, Tabassum Adnan said that the years-long fighting had caused destruction and chaos not only in Swat but all over the country.
“We appeal the government, Pakistan Army and Taliban to avoid the use of force and solve the issues through talks,” she said.She added that lawlessness in Swat was being created under a conspiracy as incidents of targetted killings had increased in the district.
“The law-enforcers should take action against the elements involved in sabotaging the peace in the district,” she stressed. She also asked the government to focus on construction and repair of roads to revive the tourism sector in the scenic Swat valley.
“The population mostly depends on tourism so the government should intensify efforts to promote tourism in the militancy-plagued district,” she added.She criticised the government for ignoring the people of Swat despite their sufferings from militancy and military operations. “The government did not provide any relief to the victims of the violence. Many widows are now working at the homes of influential families to earn livelihood for their children,” she lamented. She asked the government to establish industries in Swat and provide jobs to the widows.
