Glory returns to Swat

Published in Us Mag, The News on 6 April 2012 

http://magazine.thenews.com.pk/mag/detail_article.asp?id=2256&magId=9

Three years back, Swat  reverberated with the sound of gunshots and bomb blasts. Its citizens had become hostages in their own houses, and their children had forgotten to smile due to the violent rule of Taliban. The natives of Swat lived in dreadful conditions, but thanks to the successful operation of Pakistan Army, ‘Rah-e-Nijat’, peace has been restored here.

When the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) organised a week long ‘Ski and Smile in Swat’ festival at Malam Jabba resort last month, the innocent faces of the people of Swat beamed with joy. A large number of people from different parts of the country came to participate in the event. The festival was arranged in collaboration with the Army, the Royal Norwegian Embassy and Right To Play - an international development and humanitarian organisation, which focuses on children’s sports.

Skiing festival is been an old tradition of Malam Jabba in which the main attraction of the region, the PTDC hotel, had a significant role. Tourists used to stay at the hotel during festival days, which was good for the economy as well as for the image of Pakistan. Regretfully, the militants destroyed the 72-room hotel and its chair-lift, installed by the Austrian government. Due to this, many foreign tourists faced difficulties as there is no other hotel of standard in the valley. The government should reconstruct it again in order to promote tourism and attract more people to Swat.

I was lucky to attend the festival, this year. On reaching Swat, a cold breeze welcomed me, but as I moved up to Malam Jabba, the snow waited for me with open arms and the weariness of the tedious journey vanished. 

Two things caught my eyes immediately; the ruined PTDC hotel and the colourful skiing track that was clearly visible from where we stood. Seating arrangement had been made for the audience and soon we joined the people gathered there to witness the rehearsals. While waiting for the rehearsals to start, a kids’ team came forward with their coach. The kids were not over 10 years of age and were the natives of Swat.

“The kids have made the skiing boards and rods themselves,” informed their coach. “They have observed the players who visit here with their well-maintained skiing gadgets and tried to emulate their skiing kits.”

The success of a show depends on rehearsals; therefore, the rehearsals for the flag hoisting ceremony, prayer recitation and order of announcement continued for two days. Finally, the snow festival was inaugurated by the Norwegian Ambassador to Pakistan, Cecilie Landsverk, by hoisting the National flag. On the occasion, veteran politician and Awami National Party (ANP)’s senior leader Afzal Khan Lala, Operation Commander Major General Ghulam Qamar, Pakistan Army’s spokesman in Swat Col Arif Mahmood and others were also present. Peshawar Corps Commander Lt Gen. Khalid Rabbani was the Chief Guest on the prize distribution day. The event continued for eight fun-filled days with attractive competitions like demo skiing by professionals, informative and guided tours to the ski slopes, live musical evenings, tobogganing, snowman building, snow trekking coaching classes etc. Over 45 skiers, including children and professionals, took part in five major ski disciplines.

Bacha Hussain won the Giant Slalom in which skiers ski between different sets of poles or gates. WHile, the eight-year-old, Zakir Hussain, topped the children’s competition. After the prize distribution ceremony, Peshawar Corps Commander Lt Gen. Khalid Rabbani, said he perceived the event not as a closing ceremony, but an opening ceremony for more such events. 

Swat is considered as the Switzerland of Pakistan because of its natural beauty and low temperature. With a little help from the government, Swat can get back its former glory.