Abdullah Gul

 Pakistan was pushed into the inferno of war on terror by the imperialist USA after 9/11 with ill-intentions. While roots of terrorism were identified in Afghanistan, the war was surreptitiously diverted into FATA, and then into other parts of Pakistan. All this time debate kept raging among Pakistanis whether it was US war or ours. Irrespective of this debate, the fact is that law enforcing agencies have been fighting the menace with all their strength and energy under the ‘do more’ mantra, but despite their best efforts, terrorism could not be bottled. Today, terrorism is found in every nook and corner of the country and no one is safe. While Pakistan fought the war on terror diligently and sacrificed the most, it was mistrusted, ridiculed and punished the most by the one that imposed this war upon Pakistan. The ISAF has returned home but has left behind festering cancer of terrorism unhealed.  

By MIANGUL ABDULLAH

SWAT, FEB 01, (DNA) -Swat valley has gradually lost its grandeur and idyllic beauty. Faced with the massive deforestation, it is becoming a shadow of its former self.
Gone are the days the valley was billed as ‘Paradise on Earth’ and ‘The Switzerland of Asia, being a treasure trove of fascinating landscapes, sprawling meadows, azure lakes and fruit orchards.
In many respects, the valley was little more than a holiday destination. Thousands of tourists would visit Swat to relish its sights and sounds and become one with nature. In its towering mountains and spellbinding beauty, they would find momentary reprieve from the cares of the world. Rejuvenated by this rich and spiritual journey, they would return home in a peaceful state of mind.