SWAT, Mar 26 (APP): Federal Minister for Communications, Murad Saeed here Friday said reopening of commercial flights operation from Saidu Sharif Airport after 17 years was historic day for people of Malakand division especially Swat district and expressed the hope that international flights would soon start from here to facilitate oversees Pakistanis belonged to this part of the country.
Addressing a function after reopening of commercial flights operation from Saidu Sharif Airport here, the Federal Minister said it was the long awaited demand of people of Swat district that was fulfilled today by PTI Government.
In the second phase, he said, international flights would be started from here to facilitate expatriate Pakistanis belonged to Malakand Division.
The Government has completed state-of-the art Swat Motorway Phase-I that promoted tourism in entire Swat district besides made very positive impact on winter tourism and sports here, he maintained.
The Federal Minister said work on second phase of Swat Motorway Phase-II from Chakdara Dir Lower to Fatehpur Madayn Swat would commence after Eidul Fitr that after completion would bolster regional connectivity besides open up all inaccessible scenic valleys and designations for tourists, mountaineers, trekker, natural and adventure sports lovers.
Work on Dir Motorway would commence this year, which after completion would make the entire Malakand Division especially Dir Lower, Dir Upper and Chitral a hub of trade, investment and tourism, Murad Saeed informed.
He said people of Malakand division especially Swat had rendered matchless sacrifices for the country and the entire nation held their sacrifices in high esteem.
Federal Minister for Communication said facilities of provision of free medical and surgical services has also been extended to people of Swat and Malakand Division under PTI Govt. flagship Sehat Plus Card programme and now patients can get free treatment up to Rs one million in any paneled Government or private hospital in Pakistan.
Murad Saeed said Gabin Jabba, Malam Jabba and Kalam roads projects would change destiny of people besides bolstering tourism.
He said record number of tourism have visited Swat valley during winter season with positive impact on economy, adding tourism was cornerstone of PTI Government policy keeping in view of its wide scope in generation of employment opportunities and poverty’s alleviation.
The Minister thanked Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan and PIA management for reopening of flight operation at Saidu Sharif Airport and expressed the hope that they would also take keen interest by starting international flights from here as quickly as positive to facilitate oversees Pakistani of this part of the country.
