Swat Valley Refugees

There is no doubt that the Swat Valley used to be one of the most visited and the most beautiful areas of Pakistan, but this was before it fell victim to a bloody conflict between the Taliban militants and the Pakistani government. This war has caused hundreds of thousands of victims and millions of refugees. This article on Valleyswat.org is about Swat Valley Refugees, about the people who have had the chance to run for their lives. Read on and find more about the disappointing situation of people living in a 3rd millennium world.

According to the United Nations, Swat Refugees numbers are constantly increasing surpassing the numbers of refugees from the Rwanda conflict back in the 1990s. Swat Refugees are the people who used to live in Swat, the perturbed area of Pakistan but who were lucky enough to find shelter elsewhere. The others still need to cope with the poverty in Swat valley and the fear that any moment they could be killed by the Taliban forces.

The conflict in the swat Valley started over the desire of the Taliban militants to impose sharia law in the area. The government tried to keep the insurgents under control but as their numbers increased, the government did not manage to put an end to a situation that became more and more dangerous. In the last year, the Pakistani government managed to catch some of the Taliban leaders in the area, but the situation of the Swat Valley refugees is not yet solved. The number one leader of this Taliban group, Fazlullah is still at large and encourages its troops to keep on fighting for what they call ‘order and peace’. Even more, the natural catastrophe from 2010 in the form of destructive floods has helped the militants re-gather and strengthen their force even more.

Even though compromise is sought over, the Swat Valley Refugees cannot still return to their homes. Yet, many of the Swat Refugees may not even have a home anymore as it may have been destroyed by the insurgents or by the floods. Swat Valley Refugees are situated in nearby zones that have not fallen into the hands of the Taliban forces and are still peaceful. But life if difficult as it is for these people and having to accommodate Swat Refugees may be impossible for many of them. and yet, as a result of their religious believes, Swat refugees can still find a home in the houses of those who have been lucky enough not to live an conflict area.

To conclude, Swat Valley Refugees are unfortunately in a grim situation as peace does not seem to be achieved in the close future and as poverty threats to cause them losing the places they have found in the homes of people in the nearby provinces.

Swat Valley Floods

Swat valley used to be one of the most visited parts of Pakistan. Swat Valley was one of the richest areas of Pakistan with its large part of money coming from tourism. However, the conflict in which this region was trapped for the last years and the natural catastrophes that have occurred in the area have made it a living hell for its citizens. Read on valleyswat.org and find out more about what used to be called ‘mini Switzerland’ of Pakistan.

The Swat Valley is located in the Khyber Paktunkhwa province of Pakistan, at about 160 kilometers away from Islamabad, the capital of this South Asian country. Swat Valley is situated on the upper side of the Swat River, the river from which the valley obviously got its name. The main town in the region is Mingora and it used to be a princely state until it was dissolved in the late 1960s. The landscape is popular around the world for its high mountains with green meadows and clear lakes and it was what brought millions of tourists to this country. But the conflict that started few years ago and the natural disasters that occurred in the region in 2010, have transformed the swat Valley from a flourishing community to a place where not even its inhabitants would want to be.

Disaster in this valley occurred for the first time some years ago when Islamist militants tried to impose sharia law. The Pakistani government reacted by sending in troops and trying to control the area. After many battles, a continuous war and thousands of victims from each of the camps, peace seemed closer to achieve when a compromise was made by the government who finally accepted to impose sharia law in the valley. But happiness did not come back to the Swat Valley.

Swat valley Floods occurred in the summer of 2010 and they brought along more misery and more poverty. The area wasn’t too developed as it was and the Swat Valley Flood made it even worse. Houses were lost, roads were destroyed and the natural disaster was used by the Islamist militants to reinforce themselves. The damages caused by the Swat Valley Floods were beyond imagination. Even the officials admitted that they are not prepared for a Swat Valley Flood of that scale and magnitude. The civilians who remained here even after the first insurgencies, are now left with nothing. The Swat Valley Floods took the shelter of many of them.

Swat Valley Floods have passed now and the region has managed to get back together, slowly. However, the Swat Valley Floods did not push the militants away and talks are still being carried out in order to come with a compromise and provide civilians living here a peaceful life.

Taliban In Swat Valley

Pakistan is a country in the Middle East that used to be one of the most visited places in Asia. A particular part of this country, the Swat Valley is often called ‘the Switzerland’ of Pakistan and it used to be the area bringing most money to the Pakistani government through tourism. Nowadays, the wealthy and peaceful Swat Valley has fallen in the hands of the Swat Valley Taliban and a conflict that has killed hundreds of thousands of innocent people. Read on Vallerswat.org more about this conflict and the turn that it seems to take. Here you can find out more interesting information on how the Taliban In Swat Valley affect the area, what their goals are and how does the future look like for the inhabitants of Swat Valley.

The bloody conflict started in Swat Valley over 10 years ago when the Taliban In Swat Valley tried to impose sharia law as the ruling law of the province. That was the first time when Taliban forces are believed to have grouped in Pakistan and ever since the government has tried to eradicate these militants. The militants have started building their troops by calling for Islamic followers who would restore in the area what they call ‘order and peace’. But peace is the last thing they have brought. Since the conflict started, hundreds of thousands of people have died from both camps, that of the militants and that of the government as well as thousands of innocent people. Moreover, large numbers of the inhabitants have fled to other countries driven by their fear from Swat Valley Taliban.

As many would have expected, the Taliban in Swat Valley have used violence to reach their purpose. they have killed many anti-Taliban leaders of Pakistan who resided in the area and they have managed to rule this part of Pakistan for a long time. this has only meant terror and fear for its inhabitants. But in 2010, the Pakistani government managed to capture and kill a large number of the Taliban In Swat Valley, in particular leaders of the troops. Yet, the man who has gathered the Taliban forces, Fazlullah and the leader of these forces has remained uncaught. And if progress seemed to be done in the prospect of peace in the Swat Valley Taliban forces appear to gather again and gain power after the floods of 2010.

The conflict in Swat Valley, one of the best areas of Pakistan has been started by the Taliban forces and even though there are talks being made to reach an agreement for peace, it seems that the Taliban forces will not give up until they get what they want and that is power. Hopefully, the bloody war will cease with the Pakistan efforts and people will be able to live normally again.

Swat Valley Geography

Many people are curious about the beautiful Valley Swat, namely about Swat Valley Geography. The easiest way to describe Swat Valley Geography is to explain that Valley Swat is located in Pakistan. Pakistan is located in the west of the Indian subcontinent. Afghanistan and Iran border it on the west; India borders it on the east; and the Arabian Sea borders it on the south. Pakistan is full of mountains, including both the Karakoram mountain range and the Pamir mountain range. Deserts, plateaus, plains, and other structures cover the area, which is also home to the long Indus River. The valley itself is located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. It is approximately one hundred miles from Pakistan's capital city, Islamabad. The swat river, the Hindu Kush mountain range, lush green forests, and beautiful lakes all serve to make up the lovely area.

For those interested in exact Swat Valley Geography, the Valley Swat is situated between thirty-four and forty to thirty-five degrees of north latitude and seventy-two to six degrees of east longitude. The valley is considered part of the Provincially Administrated Tribal Area of the Northwest Frontier Province of Pakistan. However, just knowing these very basic facts can't describe how wonderful and amazing the geography and natural atmosphere of the valley is.

One of the most beautiful and memorable features of Swat Valley Geography is the lush, flowing lakes that fill the area. These lakes all feed into the Green River Swat and are popular tourist destinations throughout the Valley Swat. Every day, tourists can be found camping out along the lake and taking long walks through the meandering trails found near the water. The Bashigram Lake, for example, is a popular tourist destination. Located to the east of Vashigram, the lake is a valley in itself and is known for being frequented by both tourists and locals alike. Other great lakes include Daral Lake, Mahodand, Saidgai Lake, Kundal Lake, Izmis Lake, and Spin Khwar Lake.

Another wonderful part of Swat Valley Geography is, of course, the actual valleys. A popular valley in Valley Swat is the Madayan Valley. Often compared to the Alps of Switzerland, the Madayan Valley is surrounded by many different mountain ranges, creating amazing scenery for any visitor. Fortunately, the valley is also central to many other valleys and attractions in the area. Resorts are also common in the area, including the Madyan, Chail, and Bashigram resorts. Other valleys to see include Shanku Valley, Bashigram Valley, Chail Valley, and Mankial Valley. Of course, all of these great geographical features are just a small part of the beautiful Swat Valley. There are a lot more amazing things that need to be experienced firsthand to be fully appreciated.

Swat Valley Architecture

One of the most undiscovered and little discussed treasures of the Swat Valley, also known simply to the inhabitants as Valley Swat, is the vast wealth of Swat Valley Architecture that exists. The first inhabitants of Valley Swat date back to almost six thousand years ago, and there are still pieces of Swat Valley Architecture that remain in the area to this day. Many of the pieces of architecture can be traced back to the valley’s rich and full Buddhist history, making a visit to the area a real lesson in history that can’t be found anywhere else.

For those who visit any of the valleys or mountains of Valley Swat, and there are many, beautiful, rustic pieces of Swat Valley Architecture can be found everywhere. A trip to any mountain or valley will usually take about one hour down a winding road in a specialty vehicle. While there are lots of lush green forests and beautiful natural bodies of water to see, there are also rustic, charming little houses that have been standing for much longer than the average person might think. Any architecture lover will get a real thrill out of gazing out the window at these homes, asking questions of the driver, and, of course, snapping a few photos of some truly original homes.

Other forms of Swat Valley Architecture can be found in a surprising place. The cemeteries or graveyards of Valley Swat are built in the traditional Buddhist style, with some graves dating back incredibly far. Any lover of history or architecture will want to be sure and take a spooky stroll through the cemeteries in the area, paying careful attention to the intricate carvings and careful attention to detail showcased on each and every headstone. Nowhere else will visitors find art in such a strange and fascinating place.

In addition to paying attention to the Swat Valley Architecture found in the older homes and in the cemeteries, visitors to Valley Swat are also encouraged to check out the various museums. While they will not contain actual pieces of architecture, there are many recreations or models of ancient structures built by the people and tribes who once inhabited the beautiful land. In addition to these models, museum visitors can also find ancient jewelry made of handmade beads, ancient utensils, ancient currency, and many other artifacts that are reminiscent of the culture and of the people who once inhabited all the great structures found throughout the area. For any lover of history, art, and of course, architecture, the valley is the place to visit. Visitors can take official tours or just go out exploring on their own. Whatever one decides to do, it is certain to be a truly memorable and enriching cultural and artistic experience.

Swat Valley Economy

The Swat Valley, also commonly known simply as the Valley Swat, is an interesting area. Many people are curious to know about the Swat Valley Economy. While a lot of information is available about Swat Valley Economy, unfortunately, most of it is not positive information. In fact, just this past year, the Valley Swat and Pakistan as a whole suffered a tough blow. It's growth for the past year was determined the slowest in a decade, and the area was forced to take $600 million in US funds to use for emergency relief. A large chunk of this money went to help people of the valley who had been displaced. It is nice to note, however, that the area does have a reputation for spending its money wisely. It is not in serious debt; it is simply going through a rough, financial time at present, much like many other areas of the world, including the United States.

Unfortunately, it looks as though it could take a while for things to improve in the Valley Swat. The gross domestic product is estimated to slow to 2.37%, another turn for the worse of the Swat Valley economy. Other officials argue that it might fall even lower, perhaps dipping into the 2.1% mark. No matter which figure turns out to be accurate, this year will mark the worst year in finance for the area since the 1997-1998 fiscal year. This could make for large problems for the area, but there are plans in place, such as increased tourism and marketing, that should help to turn the economy back around slowly but surely.

Unfortunately, there are not really any concrete reasons for the poor state of the Swat Valley Economy. The lowered rated of tourism since the terrorist attacks and the war in the middle east is thought to have something to do with it. Also, the manufacturing sector of Valley Swat has diminished significantly, about 5.73% in one year's time. According to the National Accounts Committee, the industrial sector has declined as well, by about 2.57%. Construction is down 10.7%, and finance and insurance 1.19%. Furthermore, investment income has diminished as well.

Just like the United States is currently in a recession, so is the beautiful and once thriving Valley Swat. However, tourism is slowly starting to increase to the area, which could bring about a real and positive change in the Swat Valley Economy. Individuals who are interested in helping are encouraged to find a charity or organization supportive of the Swat Valley to donate to or to simply pay the area a visit and give something to this struggling economy. Hopefully, the Swat Valley can be back on its financial feet relatively soon.

Story telling culture in Swat

In the good old days, the tales were told in a different and spellbinding environment. In the long and dark nights of winter when electricity was not provided to most of the village, and all the members of the family would sleep together in one large room, which was called Kota in the local vernacular, in the dim light of oil lamps with the calm snow and pattering rain outside, the eldest of the family who used to be the grandmother started the tale with the children huddled together in their blankets from tip to toe except their heads out like a kangaroo’s Joey from its pouch, would listen keenly to every word uttered by her. They used to be very inquisitive and would ask several questions if they did not go with the rhythm of the story. Moreover, answering and responding to the narrator i.e. ha (yes) carry on, was an essential requirement for the listener which assured the narrator that they were listening properly and were not asleep. The moment the Ha sound stopped, the grandmother would realize that her grand children have stepped into the world of dreams where impossible and unbelievable happened all night long. Such was the life of the children of the recently past generation. These bedtime tales and stories were narrated in each household and not even a single kid would sleep without listening to a story from his weak and frail but loving grandmother.

 some popular stories are:

The Good Guy and The Bad Guy (Nekay Aw Baday)

Long, long ago, two brothers and their old mother were living in a village in a far-off place. On was called Nekay because he was a very kind and merciful person always ready to help others. The second brother was called Baday because he fought on petty issues with everyone and nobody loved him in the society. Nekay used to work for the sustenance of the family. Baday would sometimes bring firewood from a nearby mountain after his brother and mother coaxed him to do so. One day when he was back from the hill with his bundle of logs on his back, he shouted, “mother, where should I put it”. His mother replied in an agonizing voice to put it near by the fireplace but he constantly asked her to where he should put it again and again. When his mother got enraged at his behavior, she shouted in anger, “put it on my head, you scoundrel”. Baday instantly did so and the poor woman died not bearing the load of the heavy bundle of firewood on her head. When Baday observed that he has killed his mother, he sought for a pretext to show his brother how their mother died. He quickly prepared some popcorn and put some of it in the mouth of his mother to show his brother that some popcorn stuck in her throat and suffocated her to death. When his brother came from the fields and saw that his mother was dead, he started mourning and wailing and prepared for her last rituals to bury her with dignity. After the burial ceremony was over, Neakay arranged for a feast, as it was the custom to help the departed soul in the next world. When Baday came to know that his brother is inviting people for the feast, he got infuriated and devised a plan to mock and embarrass the people. He smeared a sticking substance on the carpets the people were to sit on. The people of the village came for the feast on appointed time and sat on the carpets without noticing what was in store for them. When they were finished and rose to leave, the carpets also rose with them sticking to their behinds. Baday laughed and ridiculed them but Nekay was very offended on this behaviour of his brother and sought the forgiveness of everyone at this embarrassing trick devised by his manner less brother.

Later on, Nekay went to a priest for employment. The priest promised him employment on one condition, which was that if any one of them regretted the decision and broke the bond; his nose will be chopped off as a punishment. Nekay agreed with the condition and it so happened after a few days that Nekay felt repented for his employment with the priest and in the end the priest as a punishment for violating the bond chopped off his nose. When Baday came to know of it, he decided to avenge his brother and went to the priest for employment. He was given employment according to the earlier bond. The priest was happy that he will also receive the same punishment one day but Baday has strongly resolved that he will inflict the priest so much that in the end he will entreat him to leave and so his mission would be accomplished.

Baday used to follow the orders of his master but was searching for an opportunity to fulfill his mission. One-day priest ordered him to go for hunting and bring some fresh hare meat. Baday took the priest’s pet dog that was named Lachai by the priest for the hunting and in the forest killed the dog and brought its meat for the priest pretending that it was the meat of a freshly hunted hare. The priest and his family relished the juicy meat and when the bones were left, the priest called for his pet dog to eat the bones, but there was no sign of the dog in the house. Later on, Baday exposed his trick and asked the priest that did he feel sorry for employing him. The priest remembered the punishment and said, “no, absolutely not”. But he was devising a plan to get rid of him as soon as possible.

The time rolled on and one day when the priest could not anymore bear the troubles created for him by Baday, he decided to steal away from the village without telling anyone and settles somewhere else. Baday somehow came to know of his master’s secret flight and when his master was storing food and other essential items for his journey in a huge basket made of sticks, Baday secretly set inside it and concealed himself with breads (paratay) that were prepared in Ghee (oil) for the journey. The priest and his wife left early in the darkness of dawn and when the sun rose, the priest could not bear the burden of the basket, he requested his wife to rest for some time in the shade of a nearby tree. In the mean time, Baday who was hiding in the basket felt an urge to pee and urinated in the basket. When the urine drenched the back of the priest, he scolded his wife for frying the bread (paratay) in such a huge amount of ghee that it spoiled his white clothes. The priest and his wife were sitting under the cool shade and as he was tired, he wished that if Baday would be there, he would have carried the heavy basket for him. Suddenly and from nowhere Baday jumped out of the basket like Jake in a box and offered his services. The priest was shocked to death and decided to go back to their village with Baday carrying the basket on his back.

One night, when Baday was performing watchman’s duty, he overheard the priest and his wife that when Baday will sleep the next night, we will tie him to his bed and throw him to the nearby river. Baday chalked out his plan and on the appointed night exchanged his bed with the priest’s wife when they were sound asleep. He dressed himself like priest’s wife and woke him up to throw Baday to the river. The priest tied his wife on her bed, covered her mouth, as he could not see whether she was his wife or their servant in the dark night and together they took the bed to the river and threw it. When the priest realized in the morning that he has thrown his wife to the river instead of Baday, he started wailing and cursing his servant. Baday asked him again that did he regret his decision of employing him, the priest after a moment’s thinking about the punishment said, “no, I am not”. But inside, he was imploding with rage and decided that he will avenge his wife’s death one day.

The priest was very gloomy and grief stricken due to the death of his wife therefore Baday suggested him to marry again. He liked his suggestion and together they went to a nearby village to seek wife for him. They went to a household of another priest where they explained their purpose of visit. The priest extended traditional hospitality and requested some time to discuss and think over the matter with his wife. As it was almost dark, the priest took them to a nearby mosque to spend the night and asked Baday about the favorite dish of his master for the dinner. He replied that his master relished boiled beans and it would be a great favour if they prepare this dish for tonight. The house owner prepared the dish and both Baday and his master ate it but Baday sprinkled chili in his master’s plate, which resulted in his excessive consumption of water with beans that caused him diarrhea in the night.

When they were retiring for sleep, Baday placed his bed in front of the door of the mosque and during the night the priest woke him up to open the door as has to answer the call of nature. Baday told him that there is an earthen pot in the mosque and the priest should empty his bowels in the pot. The priest had no other choice due to the severity of the bout but to conform to the order of his servant and in this way the story was repeated all over the night.

Early in the morning the priest took the pot secretly to throw it away without letting anyone to know about it. When he left the mosque, Baday gathered some people and told them that the priest has stolen the pot from the mosque. All of them started following him and when the priest observed it, he started running. The people also ran after him and suddenly the priest stumbled upon a rock and the pot slipped out of his hands and broke to pieces on the ground exposing the contents. When the people realized the real situation, they started mocking the priest and his act. The children hooted at him and the elders laughed at his condition. His plan of marrying again was ruined. Slowly the tears rolled down his cheeks and drenched his long beard as his reputation and respect mingled with soil. When Baday saw this, his joy knew no bound and he asked him again whether he repented his decision of accepting his services. Miserable and dejected, he nodded in affirmative. Baday quickly took a sharp knife out of his pocket and chopped off the nose of the priest and in this way took revenge of his brother.

The Red Lame Goat (Sra Gwada Beza)

Once upon a time, in a certain place there lived a red lame goat with her two kids. Their names were Angak and Mangak. The goat advised her young kids not to open the door of their dwelling to any one except her when she is out for grazing. She also explained them the code words that she would utter when she comes back from grazing which were “Angak, Mangak, open the door, my mammary glands are overflowing with milk”. The kids assured their mother that they would follow her instructions.

One day when the goat was out for feeding, a wolf knocked at their door. The kids had forgot the words of their mother and in curiosity opened the door. When they saw a wolf standing there, they huddled in their dwelling with fear. The wolf entered and swallowed both of them alive. When their mother arrived and saw that the wolf has eaten her kids, she got enraged and pierced the belly of the wolf with her razor sharp horns. The wolf died instantly and the kids jumped out of its belly safe and sound. Later, they promised their mother that they would never again act against her advice. Later they lived happily everafter.

Tuna and Tunai (The Little Giants)

In a certain forest on remote mountain two little giants Tuna and his wife Tunai were living in their small dried pumpkin house. One day when Tunai was sweeping the floors, she found a grain of maize. She took it to her husband who took it to a watermill for grinding. He brought back the flour and handed over it his wife to prepare bread from it. She made the fire and started baking the bread. As soon as the bread was ready to eat, Tuna would take it and swallow it instantly and impatiently. At last the last bread was left for his wife and she ate it with patience. As Tuna has devoured a lot of breads, he felt an urge to fart in their fragile little pumpkin house. His tummy was protruding and bulging with gas. His wife entreated him to go outside the house but he could not bear the pressure and farted with a huge bang in their delicate pumpkin house, which broke the pumpkin in to countless pieces. In the end they were homeless and Tuna repented for overeating all his life.