8220we broke wall

“We broke wall of fear today”: Swat peace rally defies suicide attack

ByJustpaste.in

SWAT: Hundreds of people gathered in Swat on Friday for a peace rally to condemn the recent suicide bombing in Kabal and to demand lasting peace in the region. Tribal elders from the Swat Qaumi Jirga, political leaders, and local residents joined the demonstration, sending a clear message that violence would not stop them from raising their voices for peace.

Speaking at Nishat Chowk in Mingora, participants said they would continue to come out onto the streets until peace is fully restored. They declared that suicide attacks and acts of terrorism would not force them into silence.

Addressing the rally, speakers said Pashtun regions have suffered from terrorism for more than four decades. They urged the state to review its security policies and ensure the people of the region can live in peace and safety.

The speakers expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the Kabal suicide bombing, describing the attack as an attempt to sabotage peace and destabilize the region. They said such efforts would no longer succeed.

They also said the bombing was intended to frighten people and discourage participation in the peace movement, but insisted the public would not be intimidated. “We broke the wall of fear today,” participants said. “We will keep coming out until our dream of peace becomes a reality.”

Mukhtiar Khan Yousafzai, a leader of the Swat Qaumi Jirga, said terrorists wanted to create fear so that their supporters could achieve their goals. “Around 20 people were martyred in this attack, but even if a thousand people were killed, the people of Swat would still stand up for peace,” he said.

Former Mingora City Mayor Shahid Ali said a single terrorist attack damages the economy of the entire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, especially its tourism industry. He said Swat is a valley blessed with natural beauty and valuable resources, which, according to him, are targeted by those who want instability.

He added that families, including children, would continue to join peaceful demonstrations because they would never accept a return to violence.

Speakers also recalled the sacrifices made by the people of Swat for Pakistan’s stability, saying many families lost their homes and livelihoods during years of conflict. They stressed that the people were no longer willing to endure another period of unrest.

Authorities put strict security measures in place for the rally. Walk-through gates were installed at entry points, and a heavy police presence was deployed throughout the venue.

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