Peace brings back tourism to scenic Swat

SWAT: As peace returned to the scenic Swat Valley, so did foreign tourists.

The interior minister relaxed a rule which required all foreigners to obtain a No Objection Certificate to travel to the Malakand Division this year. As a result, a steady stream of tourist made their way to the valley, residents said.

“I was surprised to see such similarities in our cultures. I enjoyed seeing the beautiful relics which reminded me of the rich Buddhist past this area enjoys,” said a tourist.

Swat is an ideal holiday spot for Buddhist tourism. This is where the first Buddhist university was established. Budha stayed here and preached to the people of this valley.

Swat has 25 archeological sites that interest history lovers. It has ice-cold gushing rivers and the White Palace which was carved out of the same marble as the Taj Mahal.

In the last few years, the valley fell victim to the Taliban who banned schools, burned television sets, and enforced strict Shariah rule.

In an offense which shocked the world the Taliban shot the young Malala Yousufzai for speaking against them. She later brought home a Nobel prize for the country.

A military operation in the area has purged the valley of militants and restored peace in the valley.