Thousands Rally in Swat's Matta for Peace
SECURITY & SAFETYACTIVISMFEATURED
Matta, Swat Valley, Pakistan – September 20, 2025 – In a powerful display of unity, thousands of Swat Valley residents gathered at Matta Chowk on Friday, September 19, to declare their valley off-limits to terrorists. Organized by the Swat Qaumi Jirga under the banner "Swat Aman Pasoon" (Swat Peace March), the event served as a stark warning to militants and authorities alike: if the provincial government and police fail to expel terrorists from the border areas between Swat and Dir within one month, locals will take matters into their own hands.The massive public gathering drew participants from all walks of life, filling the adjoining roads around Matta Chowk and forcing many to climb rooftops for a better view due to the lack of space. Scores of women and children were among the crowd, highlighting the broad community support for the cause. According to local peace activists, this rally was unprecedented in scale, surpassing even the historic 2022 demonstration at Nishat Chowk organized by the Swat Olasi Pasoon when terrorists began re-emerging in Swat's mountainous regions.Speakers at the event included MNA Dr. Amjad Ali Khan, Swat City Mayor Shahid Ali Khan, and elders Rahmat Ali Khan, Sher Badar Khan, Bahadar Sher Afghan, Ayub Asharey (also spelled Ayoub Asharey), Sher Shah Khan, and Mukhtar Yousafzai. Provincial Minister Fazal Hakim Khan Yousafzai, PTI MNA Dr. Amjad Ali Khan, MPAs Ali Shah Khan, Sultan Rom Khan, and Mohammad Naeem Khan, as well as Chairman of the Kabal Tehsil Council Saeed Khan, were also in attendance. Leaders and office-bearers from political parties and organizations, including the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), joined the peace march, underscoring its cross-partisan nature.The speakers emphasized that modern-day Swat offers no refuge for terrorists. They claimed knowledge of who had brought militants into the valley's mountains and urged the terrorists to leave immediately to avoid severe repercussions from the residents. Highlighting a key frustration, they noted that Swat is home to over 7,000 policemen equipped with modern weapons, yet these forces are not authorized to conduct operations against the insurgents.Framing the gathering as a "referendum against terrorism," the jirga leaders pointed out that the thousands in attendance had effectively voted against violence through their presence. They described the terrorism plaguing areas like Bajaur and southern districts as "artificial" and firmly rejected by the people. Invoking constitutional obligations, they reminded the state of its duty to protect every citizen and demanded enduring peace throughout the province.The Swat Aman Pasoon culminated in a one-month ultimatum to the provincial government and police: launch decisive actions against the terrorists or face widespread protest rallies across Swat. These future demonstrations, they warned, would target not only terrorism but also the government's and police's failures in addressing the threat.This rally reflects ongoing anxieties in Swat, a region that has endured cycles of militancy. The 2009 military operation had largely restored peace after the Taliban's brutal control in the late 2000s, but recent signs of terrorist activity in remote border areas have reignited community vigilance. For the residents, the Matta Chowk event marks a collective stand, signaling that they are prepared to defend their hard-earned stability if institutions fall short. As of September 21, no official response from the authorities has been reported, leaving the valley's future hanging in the balance.