This afternoon I spoke telephonically to a local in Kalam, the prime tourist attraction , who told me that despite Independence Day Holidays there is zero turn out of visitors , while this was also confirmed to me by Honourable Fazal Rahim Khan, a senior journalist that tourism was worst hit in Swat after the recent skirmish in Upper Swat that was widely circulated on social media .
To kill the rumours that caused growing sense of insecurity amongst the peaceful people of Swat, whose lives and livelihoods, both were worst affected after being displaced from their homes once hit by militancy in the past, hoping that the insecurity in Swat, would be put to rest for good, post – military operation : the ISPR has now issued the following press release to put these rumours to rest with assurance that the peace in Swat would be maintained at all costs .
ISPR
During the past few days, a misperception about alleged presence of large number of proscribed organisation TTP’s armed members in Swat Valley has been created on social media. After confirmation on ground, these reports have been found as grossly exaggerated and misleading. Presence of small number of armed men on few mountain tops between Swat and Dir has been observed, located far away from population. Apparently, these individuals sneaked in from Afghanistan to resettle in their native areas. A close watch is being maintained on their limited presence and movement in mountains. Required measures are in place by all LEAs for the safety and security of people of adjoining areas. Presence of militants any where will not be tolerated and they will be dealt with full use of force, if required.