SWAT: The Swat Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday alleged that the explosion targeting a police van here the other day was carried out as part of a well-thought-out plan to demonstrate to the world that terrorists were still active in Swat. They claimed that these actions were paving the way for another military operation in the valley.

The chamber’s office-bearers made the claim while speaking at a meeting chaired by its president Rahat Ali Khan.

They also demanded the suspension of the Malakand division commissioner and the regional police officer over the incident. They sought an inquiry into the blast, which occurred on the Malam Jabba Road to target a convoy of foreign diplomats, killing a constable and injuring five others.

Chamber’s senior vice-president Haji Bakht Karam, vice-president Dr Zakir Mohammad, former president Yusuf Ali Khan, general secretary Mohammad Iqbal and others were in attendance.

Claims explosion ‘bid’ to pave way for military operation in valley

The participants said that the incident occurred due to inadequate security provided to the diplomats from 12 countries.

They said they would hold a press conference to reveal further details about the Jahanabad blast. They threatened to launch a protests movement if the commissioner and the RPO were not suspended.

Diplomats from Indonesia, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Bosnia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Iran, Tajikistan, and Russia were part of the delegation.

The Swat chamber leaders explained that a formal letter had been sent to the ministry of foreign affairs regarding the ambassadors’ visit, and the ministry had, in turn, notified the Swat administration about it.

Despite this, the local authorities failed to provide sufficient security, resulting in the attack on the convoy, they regretted.

The participants offered prayers for the martyred policeman. The chamber also provided an amount of Rs100,000 to the family of the deceased cop.

The business leaders called on the people of Swat to participate in the protest demonstration scheduled for Sept 27 at the Nishat Chowk, Mingora, in response to the recent terrorist activities.

Meanwhile, city mayor Shahid Ali Khan also condemned the blast, affirming that any attempt to create unrest would be rejected by the people of Swat. “We share the grief of the family of the martyred policeman,” he said.

He also called on the citizens of Swat to fully participate in the protest rally on Sept 27 to oppose the current wave of what he said self-inflicted insecurity in the region.

Published in Dawn, September 24th, 2024