A Visit to Swat

It was Saturday at Swat. My battalion mates and myself were convincing our C.O Sahab to go somewhere to enjoy. Our C.O Sahab, had recently been posted to Karachi and we were excited to roam in the area and visit beautiful places. Our Company decided to visit Malam Jabba, but it could not be materialized due to closure of route because of snow at the road. We then decided to go to Malakand. The plan was finalized and next morning, we started our journey to this beautiful and historical place. On the way, we saw many gardens with a lot of beautiful greenery.

           
The limit of Swat generally starts by crossing over Malakand Pass. At the top is a Pakistan Army fort which guards the entrance to the valley.The fort gained its name during the uprising of 1897 when a British Battalion of Sikh Infantry faced 10,000 tribal warriors. There we saw a canal when went at the TOP. This Top was also called "Lone Hill" during British time.
           

Though it was very cold at the top, but it we weren't getting cold because we are used to hardships! We were hungry but as we approached the site, our hungriness evaporated at once and we started exploring the new places due to its enhancing beauty.
At night we decided to go out and see the beautiful lights emanating from the houses. It was a feeling as if thousands of colorful lamps were lit at night. As it rained during the night, the next day brought pleasant surprise as several mountains had received snow fall.

Life in Swat valley is really very peaceful and colorful as the markets were swarming with people from all walks of life. As we started our journey back to our UNIT; we also saw the Thokardarra Stupa and a cave.
            It never felt that this area had seen so much of unrest in the near past. This truly reflects the character of people of this valley and the sacrifices by Armed Forces Of Pakistan that brought back peace to this war torn area.
         

But now Swat is smiling and people are suggested to visit this peaceful area at first opportunity. And its beauty is eternal and will remain forever.

I and my battalion mate were making a plan to visit Swat.

Long Live Pakistan,
Long Live Pakistan Army!












“Nature is beautiful, such beautiful must be based on beautiful facts and beautiful laws”
            ~Muhammad E. Osman