MINGORA, Nov 17: The Pakistan Army has planned to set up its selection board and recruitment centre in Swat, according to a local military commander.

“Youngsters of this area will no more go to Rawalpindi and Peshawar for recruitment to the army. Measures have been taken to establish the Army Selection Board and Recruitment Centre here, too,” Pakistan Army’s Operational Commander in Malakand division Major General Ghulam Qamar said during the first meeting of the Youth Defence Committee Council in Khwazakhela area.Major General Qamar said Village Defence Committees were renamed Youth Defence Committee Council to provide opportunities to youths for playing active role in restoration of peace and development in Swat.

He said he was hopeful that Youth Defence Committee Council would play a pivotal role in maintaining peace and resolving problems at the local level.

The military commander said the nation had great expectations from the new generation and he hoped that youths would use their energies for constructive activities.

He said unfortunately, youths of the region were pushed to negative activities in the past.

“Militants brainwashed youths and pitted them against their own government and the people by including them in their ranks and using them in militant activities.

However, security forces with cooperation of the local people have defeated militants by killing them or forcing them into fleeing,” he said.

Major General Qamar said the government wanted to involve youths in healthy activities so that they could do the country and their parents proud.

He said youths of the region were keen to get education and therefore, they would be provided with opportunities in the sector.

“No stone will be left unturned to provide them jobs after education,” he said.

The military commander said peace had been restored in the region with the cooperation of the local people, while rehabilitation and reconstruction process was in progress.

He said the damaged schools, roads and bridges had reconstructed, while sports and cultural festivities were held to restore the confidence of the people and revive healthy activities after a long period of frustration and suffocation due to militancy.

Major General Qamar said thousands of tourists had visited Swat this year showing their confidence in security situation.

He said the new development would positively impact on tourism industry in the area.

The military commander said the militant attacks on child education activist Malala Yousufzai, her schoolmates and some other people were shocking events. He said security forces had foiled many such attacks by killing or arresting militants in the valley.

He said security forces had busted a gang, which was involved in attacks on politicians Afzal Khan and Zahid Khan and a local DSP.

Major General Qamar said elaborate security arrangements had been made to thwarts activities of militants in the region.

“Security forces are committed to eliminating militants from the country for peace and development,” he said.