Wali of Swat foresees no chance of lasting peace returning to Valley

Islamabad, Aug 3 (ANI): The Wali of Swat, Miangul Aurangzeb, foresees no chance of a lasting peace returning to the Swat Valley for decades to come.

The octogenarian, who would have been ruling Swat had it not been merged with Pakistan in 1969, feels extremely sorry for the horrific events that the people of this region have faced and how 'law-enforcement agencies have let it happen'.

"Even at this stage, I am not a pessimist. But look, you have failed to make Islamabad normal even now, then how can you claim that Swat is again normal and peaceful," the Wali, who also served as the Governor of NWFP and Balochistan, said.

The News quoted Aurangzeb as squarely blaming the Musharraf regime, the Taliban and even political parties for this present mess.

Asked about the hundreds of thousands of people going back to Swat and elsewhere, he said, "They are returning for what, because there are no basic facilities such as gas, power and water available there."

He claimed the population of Swat and elsewhere had to leave their homes prior to the military operation and they were given very little time to move out.

"People never thought of leaving their homes despite the militants' increasing activities," Aurangzeb said.

Aurangzeb also expressed his shock and anger over security forces killing a bearded man, who happened to be one of his servants. He said he knew him well and he had nothing to do with militancy or miscreants.

Asked was it possible to hold Musharraf accountable for 'what he had done to this nation, he maintained only the Taliban could take on him. "Musharraf let the Taliban gain strength and against it, he pocketed US dollars," he alleged. (ANI)