All set for I Day celebrations in Swat Valley

MINGORA: All is set to celebrate major events of the Independence Day celebration in Swat as the nation celebrates 62nd Independence Day today.
Sources here Thursday informed that the major events of I Day celebrations arranged by Pakistan Television would be held at Wadudia Hall, Saidu Sharif.
Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain would be the chief guest on the occasion, they said.
Sources informed that arrangements have been made for flag hoisting ceremony which will be held at 10am followed by national songs and coloruful functions.
Security has been beefed up and vacations of police forces have been cancelled to avoid any incident.
It is pertinent to mention here that the scenic valley has just passed through a disastrous stage as militants had taken over the administration of the valley but security forces managed to overcome the situation and smashed the anti-state elements from the valley.
Meanwhile, Coordinator Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Special representative of the President and prime minister, MNA Asma Alamgir visited Swat here on Thursday.
Chairman Special Services Group (SSG) Corps Commander Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmad also accompanied her on the occasion.
Asma Alamgir, while talking to mediamen said that people of Swat and security forces had rendered countless sacrifices adding that celebrating the major events of Independence Day in Swat, meant to pay a rich tribute to all the martyrs.
She said that the prime minister had already announced Rs500 million grant and soon the President would also announce a special grant for Swat, Buner and Dir.
Asma informed that 90 per cent of repatriation of Swat IDPs had completed and the rest would also return home soon adding that special institutions would be set up for orphans.
She also lauded opposition’s role at the critical stage.
Earlier Asma Alamgir along with Lieutenant General Nadeem visited Girls High School Saidu Sharif and various markets of Mingora.