DON’T ALLOW MOSQUITO TO PLAY LOVE SONG

DON’T ALLOW MOSQUITO TO PLAY LOVE SONG

ACOUSTICS INTERFERENCE TO CHECK MOSQUITO GROWTH

 PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

          A MOSQUITO WHINNY BUZZ IS ONE OF THE MOST IRRITATING NOISES TO HUMAN EARS BUT FOR MOSQUITOES, IT IS A MELODIOUS “LOVE SONG”. A NEW RESEARCH CONDUCTED ON AEDES EGYPTI- A GENUS OF MOSQUITO RESPONSIBLE FOR SPREADING MANY INFECTIOUS DISEASES  DENGUE,YELLOW FEVER,CHIKUNGUNYA,ETC-DISCLOSED THAT WHEN MALE AND FEMALE MOSQUITOES MATE,THEY FIRST SYNCHRONIZE THE FREQUENCIES OF THEIR BEATING WINGS TO PRODUCE A HARMONIOUS TONE.THE MALE MOSQUITO BUZZ OR FLIGHT TONE IS ABOUT 600 HERTZ(Hz) WHEREAS FEMALE'S IS NEAR 400 Hz .IN MUSIC,HE IS ROUGHLY A “D” AND SHE IS ABOUT A “G”.WHEN MALE WANTS TO COPULATE,IT BRINGS ITS TONE INTO PHASE WITH FEMALE'S TO CREATE A NEAR PERFECT DUET.THE TWO TONES INTERFERE CONSTRUCTIVELY TO PRODUCE WHAT MUSICIANS CALL AN "OVERTONE" ;A THIRD- FAINTER TONE OF 1200Hz.THIS SYNCHRONY OF BUZZES IS PREREQUISITE FOR COITUS.

         THIS RESEARCH SMASHED UP THE PREVIOUS BELIEF OF SCIENTISTS THAT AEDES MALE MOSQUITO COULD NOT HEAR FREQUENCY OF ABOUT 800 Hz. WHILE FEMALE WERE THOUGHT TO BE COMPLETELY DEAF.THE RESEARCHERS WERE ASTONISHED TO FIND BOTH GENDERS OF MOSQUITOES ,CAPABLE OF HEARING EVEN LOW PITCHED OVERTONES. MOSQUITOES HAVE A PAIR OF LONG, MANY SEGMENTED ANTENNAE.IN ALL MOSQUITO SPECIES, THE ANTENNAE OF THE MALES IN COMPARISON TO FEMALES ARE NOTICEABLY BUSHIER AND PROVIDED WITH AUDITORY RECEPTORS TO DETECT THE CHARACTERISTIC WHINE OF THE FEMALE.

              FINDING MOSQUITOES’ SONIC MATCHING HABIT PRIOR TO COUPLING,SCIENTISTS STARTED PONDERING TO USE IT TO CONTROL THEIR GROWTH.NOW, THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO BREED  TRANSGENIC MALES THAT ARE "BETTER SINGERS".THESE MELLIFLUOUS MALES WOULD NEIGH ON,IRRESISTIBLE FOR FEMALE TO DENY AND WOULD MATE IN TRANCE OF EUPHONIOUS SONG."EVEN THOUGH IT IS NOT IN THEIR BEST INTERESTS".THE COITION WOULD YIELD OFFSPRING WHICH ARE EITHER IN VIABLE OR UNABLE TO TRANSMIT DENGUE VIRUS.

         IN AN OTHER ATTEMPT, SCIENTISTS ARE INVESTIGATING TO USE ACOUSTICS INTERFERENCE, WHICH THEY SAY WOULD INVOLVE PLAYING AUDIO FREQUENCIES NEAR 1200 Hz, IT WOULD CONFUSE THEM. THUS, MATING WOULD BE AVERTED OR REDUCED.

         PROFESSOR HARRINGTON WHO IS WORKING ON SONIC MEDDLING TECHNIQUES IS VERY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE OUT COME OF THESE RESEARCHES AND SAYS: “IF WE CAN INTERRUPT MATING AND REPRODUCTION, WE HAVE A VERY STRONG TOOL FOR MOSQUITO CONTROL”.

                       YET IN AN OTHER EFFORT, SCIENTISTS ARE FOCUSED TO PRODUCE STERILE MALE MOSQUITO BY GENETIC ENGINEERING, FOLLOWED BY THEIR RELEASE IN ATMOSPHERE TO PLAY A LOVE SONG AND MATE FRUITLESSLY WITH FEMALE.

      AT PRESENT, ACOUSTICS BAFFLING TECHNIQUES ARE IN EMBRYONIC STAGE BUT SCIENTISTS ARE SANGUINE TO MEET SUCCESS IN NEAR FUTURE.WE ALL KNOW:"ONE, WHO STRUGGLES, SUCCEEDS."

"ASTONISHING DISCOVERY" IN PAKISTAN !

 "ASTONISHING DISCOVERY"  IN PAKISTAN !
BUDDHA’S TOOTH RELIC IN DIR MUSEUM, PAKISTAN

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

                    Buddha’s tooth relic is very unique, valuable and sacred commodity for the Buddhists. Luckily, Pakistan has that precious worthy tooth in Dir Museum Chakdara that can attract a massive Buddhist pilgrimage and tourists. Though some countries claim to have such relics but also have many controversies of their claims.

             
                   

             In China, there is 1200 years old Lingguang Temple (Temple of divine light) at the foot of Beijing’s Western Hills. It houses Buddha’s precious tooth relic in stupa. Hence the temple has become one of the busiest centre of Buddhist pilgrimage in the world.

          


              

                       In Singapure, there is Buddha Tooth temple which is a living cultural monument in Chinatown. It claims to accommodate sacred Buddha Tooth relic in a stupa composed of 320kg of gold.

             In Sri Lanka, there is a legend that a single tooth remained after Buddha’s cremation. There is myth that whoever had the tooth, had the divine right to rule. So, it is analogous to Shade of Huma (It is a mythical bird having reputation that whoever comes under its shadow becomes a king). There is long tradition behind Buddha tooth currently present in Sri Lanka. It is said that when Buddha died in 543BC, his body was cremated in a sandalwood pyre at Kushinagara in India. His left canine tooth was recovered from the funeral pyre and was given to King Brahmadatte, who kept it in the city of Dantapuri (now Puri, Orissa). Here originated a legend whoever possess the tooth, had the divine right to rule. So, many wars were fought to get the sacred tooth. In 4^th century AD, tooth came into the custody of king Guhaseeva of Kalinga who adopted Buddhism and started worshipping sacred tooth.

             One day the son of King Ksheeradara raised a huge army to snatch the tooth and destroy it. When the forces entered the city, King Guhaseeva secretly sent away his son in law (Prince) Danth and his daughter Hemamala with tooth. She hid the tooth in her hair and royal couple disguised themselves as Brahmin and sailed in Ganga and reached Lankapattana, a Sri Lankan port. Sri Lanka was chosen as new abode for tooth as once Buddha said his religion will be safe in Sri Lanka for 5000 years. King of Sri Lanka Kirthi Sri Meghavarna became overjoyed to heard the news of arrival of sacred tooth and warmly welcomed couple and built a palace for tooth relic and ordered annual festival perhera in honour of sacred tooth. Later, when Sri Lanka was threatened from foreign invaders, capital was shifted from one city to another. Upon each shift, new palace was built to enshrine tooth relic. Finally, it was brought to Kandy where it is now present in Temple of Tooth which attracts a large number of visitors.

                   Luckily, Pakistan has Buddha tooth relic in Dir Museum. Archeologists found the casket in 2003 during excavation of a stupa at Shalkandi area of tehsil Munda in Lower Dir. The relic casket which can invite global attention is lying in the store of the Dir Museum for security reasons.

                  Archaeologists are still grappling with the assumption that a casket relic carrying a small bone may be Buddha’s tooth, which is said to have gone missing in Gandhara.           

                 “The casket had a small piece of tooth-like bone. We assume it in Buddha’s tooth which had gone missing in Gandhara” said Dr. Wahab. The casket cover is made of stone and has a bone like material in it. The cover doesn’t fix the box. We can assume that the casket, more than 2000 year old, was brought here from somewhere else”, experts say.          

             Experts believe that the casket may be the one among those relics which comprised either ash or bone of Buddha which were doled out among 84,000 stupas by Asoka in 261 BC, most probably after the War of Kalinga. Buddhists worship ashes or bones of Buddha kept in such casket and further enclave in dome-shaped stony stupa         

              “Archaeologists and historians from all around the globe are agreed that this the missing relic casket in Gandhara which contains the tooth of Buddha”, Dr Zainul Wahab said. He further added: “This box was taken to international exhibition at Germany and almost all the scholars gathered there said the same story”.

               “There is need to bring such relic in the limelight for further research and recognition but unfortunately security situation and lack of government attention to this historical wealth has often over shadowed such success”, said Dost Muhammad founder of Museum defense Council (MDC).

                 If confirmed through apposite research that the relic casket contains the tooth of Buddha; it could bring worldwide attention, Buddhist pilgrimage and foreign tourists. Consequently our tourist industry will boom, economic prosperity will get fillip and it will also ameliorate our bilateral relationship especially with Buddhist nations.

      

ANTI–DENGUE VACCINE SOON!

            ANTI–DENGUE VACCINE SOON!

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

                    Dengue fever is caused by four closely related serotypes DV1, DV2, DV3, D4 viruses of genus flavivirus carried by mosquito Aedes aegypti most abundant in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Dengue infection can result in a range of clinical manifestation from asymptomatic infection (80%) to dengue fever (10-15%) and the severe disease (5% -10%) of dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which are fatal if not managed properly. Infection to one serotype produces life-long immunity, by the production of antibodies, against infection by the same serotype but only short term and partial protection against infection with other serotypes.

                The presence of antibodies of one serotype pave the way for dengue hemorrhagic fever through immune enhancement as virus/non-neutralizing antibody complexes preferentially engulfed cells of immune system ,enabling the virus  multiplication unchecked and thus the teeming population of virus results in severe infection often lethal. So, development of vaccine which produces “immune response” against all four serotypes is absolutely necessary as about 3 billion people of more than 110 countries (every second person) are at risk, 230 million gets  dengue infection annually, 2 million (less than 1% of dengue patients)- mostly children – develops severe form of dengue hemorrhagic fever. About 2 million gets hospitalization and 25000 dies. Mortality is about 5% without treatment and 1% with adequate treatment.

               Dengue has increased 30 fold in last 50 years. Most countries are relaying on aged long mosquito control methods. They are not learning lesson from history; mosquito is more than 150000000 years old specie and had sustained in the extreme severity of conditions of all ages that mankind even not dare to think. Then how it will succumb to these mild measures of mankind, so an inside remedy is to be provoked to combat the onslaught of this tiny fierce creature at molecular level, anti dengue vaccine and anti viral drug is the viable solution. Vaccination saves about 2.5 million people every year but more than 2 million people still die due to lack of access to vaccine.

             Look at Sri Lanka where mortality rate had diminished to half this year due high level training, awareness campaign, introduction of new testing devices and strict observance of precautionary measures. On the other hand, dengue cases have increased than previous years with 11, 250 until April along with 55 deaths. In spite of cleaning operation, garbage disposal, persistent fogging, spraying Bti (bacillus thuringiensis israelenis-are bacteria which infects and kills mosquito larva) and strict surveillance of mosquito colonized areas and stern execution of dengue control laws as 2191 dengue linked arrests and about four million rupees fine were collected until April from mosquito breeders.

                  The shrewd mosquitoes have found new places to breed in cemented walls instead of usual breading places of home garden, water channels, etc. So, development of vaccine is indispensable to check the spread of disease, said Dr. Paba Pallihawardene, head of entomological department.

                     She disclosed, “We will have anti dengue vaccine by 2015, trials are underway, as all other methods of controlling the spread of dengue have proved not effective.”

                     The preparation of vaccine to counter all serotypes has one major threat that vaccine will enhance the risk of severe disease through antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). So an ideal vaccine should be safe, efficacious, wraps all variants of viruses, doesn’t contribute to ADE, transportable, easily storable and inexpensive.

                      Apart from Sri Lanka, Chinese are focusing to produce tetravalent vaccine by integrating four monovalent components and developed a genetic vaccine based on novel adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector expressing the carboxyl-terminal, truncated envelope protein of dengue virus. AAV was injected into mice and antigen of dengue virus was produced that induced production of antibody and thus long lasing immunity developed against dengue virus.

                 Philippine is also struggling to produce anti dengue vaccine in the laboratories of the Department of Health (DOH) in Cebu and Laguna by joint efforts of Filipino and foreign experts. Dr Janario, Director DOH said: “Philippine was chosen because it is the one of the nation affected by dengue. We have experts, the facility, the data and the surveillance system. There are four strains of dengue and you can find them all here.”

                In Cuba, vaccine is currently being tested on monkey and will advance to clinical trial on human if the results are satisfactory, said Dr. Gerardo Guillen, Research Director of International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (Cigb). Dr. Guillen disclosed vaccine has effectively controlled the multiplication of virus in monkeys. Vaccine is designed to act on all the four variants of the dengue virus. Cigb is working with France’s Pasteur institute to develop the vaccine.

             At present, many international pharmaceutical companies are developing vaccines by using the virus itself. It is an old method to use infectious but attenuated virus to produce strong long lasting immunity.

             Sanofi Pasteur of Lyon, France has developed a live attenuated virus vaccine that produces antibodies against all four serotypes in preliminary studies, but for some reason, one strain of virus (DEN-2) was still able to infect children who received the vaccine. Now a much larger trial involving 31,000 adults and children of 10 different countries of Asia and Latin America is under way. Full details of study are expected in scientific paper this month.

            Sanofi is five years ahead of other vaccine producing ventures. Reuter revealed that 4000 Thai children have received vaccine and if their body developed sufficient immunity countering all four strains, Sanofi will submit his therapy for medical vetting in the USA in November 2012. Sanofi has invested $ 440 million to build a pharmaceutical factory in France, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies of the world, to manufacture vaccine. Health experts are optimistic that the vaccine could now go to market in 2014 or even earlier.

              Health experts fear that heavy commercial investment could mean that Sanofi’s vaccine will be costly, which is a letdown as dengue normally afflicts those who cannot afford. Health experts also believe that company will achieve both medical and commercial successes as 3 billion at risk people are waiting for vaccine.

             Sanofi product will be delivered in three separate shorts, in a span of 12 months in order to effectively fight the dengue virus. Health experts lamented this long period for patient to combat the disease and more window of opportunity for the virus to sow terror. However Duane Gubler USA expert awith 40 years experience of tracking dengue movement said, “Everything they have done so far looks very good.” His compliment made Sanofi cheerful with hope of getting one billion euro annually once the dengue cure has been rolled out successfully. Sanofi disclosed that vaccine has yet to be given commercial name.

                   The journey of developing vaccine has been started in 1940’s but now we are seeing the blurred view of our coveted destination. One can infer and hope from the above developments that anti dengue vaccine will be available in market soon. In a nutshell, we can say: “Drug to detonate; deadly, dangerous, dreadful, damnable dengue is developing…. and will be divulged then dispersed for distribution, for the disappointed, disheveled diseased”.

VISIT TO DIR MUSEUM, CHAKDARA, PAKISTAN

VISIT TO DIR MUSEUM, CHAKDARA, PAKISTAN

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

                   When we, me and my family, crossed curly road of Malakand Pass and stepped in But Khaila, the beautiful Swat River welcomed us. We stayed there for a while and asked about Chakdara, we were informed to go ahead. Chakdara is a town in Lower Dir, district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. After 4km, we found Chakdara by-pass, on the right side, road leads to Mengora and on the left, to Chakdara, Dir, Chitral, etc. We turned left and crossed the bridge of the Swat River and reached Chakdara. After travelling 2.5 km from by-pass, turned right on the University Road, at the corner was a magnanimous building of Dir Museum; fort like appearance, a grand facade, arched entrance, two square corner picket towers, battlements on the parapet and a beautiful lawn blossoming with flowers and shaded with trees in front of the building. After taking tickets we entered the museum and started snapping the inaugural board. Attendant Ali told for photography, pay 100 Rs more. So we paid the requisite amount, he didn’t give us receipt, instead of entangling with him, we started seeing pieces of museum, our prime goal. It was noon time and the sun was shining brightly but there was a pitch dark inside the museum as there was load shedding and the said museum had no alternate facility of UPS or generator. Fortunately we had four emergency lights. On seeing the statues and other items, I mumbled: How marvelous is Gandhara Art! Amsar Hussain, my eldest son, was near to me and thus heard my words, asked what Gandhara is? Gandhara, the territory round Peshawar and Rawalpindi, was in the time of Bimbisara, under the king named Pukkusati. In the middle of the sixth century BC, the hordes of Cyrus, the founder of the Achaemenian empire of Persia, knocking at the gates of India and destroying the famous city of Kapisa near the junction of Ghorband and Panjshir rivers north–east of Kabul. The district west of the river Indus became tributary to the Persians and the name of Gandhara began to appear prominently among the subject nations in the inscriptions of Darius (522-486), the most illustrious among the successors of Cyrus. And then….Amsar Hussain interrupted and said: ‘Papa please makes it simple, I am not following’. OK, my son! Gandhara is an area stretching from the west of River Indus to the north of Kabul River. It includes the valleys of Peshawar, Swat, Dir and Bajaur and it extends westwards to Hadda and Bamyan in Afghanistan and eastward to Taxila valley of the Punjab. Dir lies almost in the centre of Gandhara and is teeming with relics of Gandhara. So we are standing in the heart of Gandhara and this Museum has the distinction of containing a good number and precious remains of Gandhara Art; the style of Buddhist visual art that developed in this area between 1^st century BC and 7^th Century AD. Zawar Hussain, my middle son, who was listening carefully, said: “It means Gandhara is the name of ancient territory; things people used are now called remains and the way of manufacturing of different items; clothing, utensil, dwelling and worship places, in a specific way are collectively called Gandhara art”. Yes, you are right. But who told you? It is written in my sociology book, he added.

                   Nisar Hussain, my youngest son, inquired, how did we got all these things? In 1966-69, Archaeological department underwent excavation and unearthed valuable and unique remains. To accommodate these remains, state government of Dir constructed a museum. Captain Rahatullah Khan, political agent of Dir, proposed and allotted Rs 2, 50,000 for its construction. What is museum? My little daughter asked. Museum is a building for storing and exhibition of objects illustrating antiquities, natural history, art, culture, etc. Or you can say; it is the history in the shape of goods, once our elders used.

                  I started explaining where I did stop. Saidal Khan designed the building in local style of architecture and constructed it with bare stone (Malakandi stone) an architectural element common in the area. Lt.General Azhar khan, governor of NWFP, laid the foundation stone in 1970 while General Fazl-e-Haq, governor of NWFP, inaugurated the museum in 30^th May, 1979. The purpose of museum is preservation and exhibition of archaeological heritage.There are about 2000 items, out them 75% are of Gandhara origin. Amsar said: One can call it - Gandhara Museum? Yes you can!

                   The main gallery was teeming with Buddha’s belongings. Zawar Hussain asked: Who was Buddha? There was a small state in the Valley of Himalaya, with capital at Kapilvastu, ruled by Suddhodana, head of Sakya clan. God bestowed him a boy in 563 BC, which he named Sidhartha. He was reared and groomed in royal traditions. On gaining age of puberty, he was married to a princess Yasodhara. One day Sidharata went out of for a walk and there he saw an old man, an ailing one, a dead that deeply mortified him feelings. He also saw a faqeer (saint) whose face was blushing with satisfaction.

                   He vowed to get rid of pains. Later, a beautiful boy, Mohindar, got birth in his home. But he was fed up from ostentatious and luxurious life. He regarded this world as “the place of pain and sorrow”. One night, he left his place, wife and baby and went away into the woods at the age of 28. He adopted many ways and followed many spiritual masters to get the solution of worries but all in vain. At last, after 7 years of ascetic life, one day he was meditating under banyan tree in Gaya, he saw a divine light (nirwana) and found the solution of the world’s problems that a man should lead a pious life. He started preaching at Maghadh and came to be known as Buddha (the enlightened one). He advised eight fold noble path; right views, right aspiration, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right contemplation, right mindfulness. He delivered his first discourse at Saranath and many people embraced Buddhism including his entire family. Buddha died at the age of 80 years in Kushinagara. His follower preached Buddhism in many parts of the world and thus it spread in many countries.  

                    We were talking and also seeing the Buddha gallery. There were solitary statues of Buddha(3-4 century AD),many winged Atlantes (1-4 century AD),Yaksha ( god of fertility holding cup in his hands), Buddha in reassurance and meditation postures engraved on stones, death and cremation scene of Buddha, there was great Variety of relic caskets, stupa models, etc. These collections portray the entire life of Buddha including pre birth, birth, early life, school life, wrestling matches, palace life, marriage life, renunciation of worldly life, ascetic life, meditation, miracles, worship postures, demons attacks, Nirwana (attaining enlightenment), first sermon at Sarnath, conversion of Kasyapa, Queen Maya dream and its interpretation, death scene, cremation, distribution of relics, construction of stupas on relic.

                     The miracle of Sravasti and taming of a wild elephant are the two commonly represented miracles in the museum collection. A panel showed furious elephant sent by his paternal cousin Devadatta to trample him but he was tamed by Buddha in a merciful pose.

                     Ethnographical Gallery was set up in 1977 with about 500 items; it included utensils, weapons, wooden architectural items, jewelry, dresses, music instruments, ceramics, household objects, furniture, books and manuscripts.

              In utensil portion, we saw brass ewer, wooden bowl, and wooden trays dating back to 19-20^th century AD. Weapon section contained sword, knives, pistols, machine guns (British period), gun powder bags of 19-20^th century AD.  In another self, there were wooden box, wooden shoes, wooden chair, wooden spoon, wooden sieve wooden spinning wheel, etc of 19-20^th century AD. In jewelry section, there were ear pendant, finger ring, bracelet, anklet, necklace, buttons, amulets, etc. of 19-20^th century AD. Garment section included bed sheets, cloak of wool, leather shoes, woolen caps, shawl(a sheet of cloth used by women as veil) with embroidery work, Kohistani shirts, Kohistani trousers, Kohistani caps, etc. of 19-20^th century AD. In music section, there were wooden flute, wooden drums, wooden harps, etc, of 19-20^th century AD.

                         In book section, there were many manuscripts of the Holy Quran, books of Hadith (record of sayings and deeds of Muhammad PBUH) and Fiqa ( Islamic jurisprudence).There we saw a sacred stone having naturally engraved name of ALLAH(God),SubhanAllah!(God is the Purest)

                   Amsar Hussain, my eldest son was keen to see the Buddha tooth.But we could not see the relic casket containing Buddha’s tooth which was lying in the store for security reasons. Archaeologist found the casket in 2003 during the excavation of a stupa at Shalkandi area of tehsil Munda in Lower Dir. The casket which can invite worldwide attention is being put in store, this is how we are spoiling our tourist industry and are snatching the bread and butter of people connected with it. On inquiring where is the in charge of the museum Mr Niaz Bacha to request him to show the casket. We learnt that he was away. Finally, I offered my comments on the visitor book and added few lines unwillingly on the request of the attendant.

                    Dir Museum is highly enriched with not only Gandhara remains but also has things of local tradition and culture. If there is no electricity, in charge and the things of keen interest are hidden, then how tourists will get courage to go there. Dost Muhammad Khan, who has also set up Museum Defense council (MDC), says: “There is need to bring such relic in the limelight for further research and recognition but unfortunately security situation and lack of government attention to this historical wealth has often over shadowed such success”.

                    I was astonished to learn that one of the previous governments tried to convert Dir Museum into a government college. The attempt was foiled by the Dost Muhammad Khan’s Museum Defense council. Establishment of college is good but not at the cost of sacrificing history, art and cultural as ‘history teaches everything, even the future’ (Lamatine); ‘art is the truest presentation of nature’ (N.P.Willis) and ‘the foundation of culture is at last the moral sentiment’ (Emerson).

SWAT VALLEY: WHY TOO MANY EPITHETS?

SWAT VALLEY: WHY TOO MANY EPITHETS?

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

             Swat is known as Paradise on Earth; Valley of Kings; Switzerland of Pakistan; Land of Stupas; Fare Dwelling Place (Aryans said); some says Cradle of Civilization; Maye Gulfam (wine of flowers); Ghazal of Mir; Rubyas of Khiam; story of Alif Laila; etc. Too many names for a single Valley make one curious to know the reason of this poly nomenclature. To me, SWAT is an abbreviation of Scenery Which Attract Tourists with its Soil, Water, Atmosphere and Trees (SWAT) and thus is Soothing, Wonderful, Astonishing and Thrilling (SWAT). Why?

                In fact, Swat is naturally blessed with some peculiar commodities which inspired people to make the best use of it. That is why we find persistent interference of intruders, and thus abode of different nationalities, religions and races.

              Archaeological remains are the hallmarks of the Swat Valley- Asia tallest statue of Buddha at Jehanabad; Buttkada (Gul kadda) where Asoka built large stupa enclave by 240 petty stupas at Mingora; Pir khashal tomb, the oldest village and Ghazanavi mosque at Odigram; remains(2500 BC) of Ghalligay include pictures of animals like ox, cow, horse, markhor, statue and a cave having relics of many past civilizations from Cro-Magnon to present time; stone engraving at Goghadra having figures of animals of period 2500 BC; broken earthenware of Aligrama, found to be of  1500 BC; a room at Barikot with round pillars and an oval grate for fire worship of Zoroasters; Stupa of Shangardar, remains of Nimogram in Shimazi Valley and Pantogram and Loy Nabtar in Jambeel Valley (From relics of Loy Nabtar archaeologists guessed it to be the first  dwelling place of Aryans when they came here ; famous fort of Alexander “Massaga” and Churchill Choki at Chakdara; The koh-e-Elam where Rama Chandra spent 14 years of his exile and Alexander climbed to top to hold a star Jupiter; Akbar’s fort at Damkot hills; rock carving representing the Bodhisattva Padampani (8^th BC) at Chakri  discovered by Professor Gopi Toosi of Itly in 1955; above all Swat museum, erected with the help of Japanese, at Mingora which has seven galleries  containing excellent Ghandhara scriptures arranged in manner to depict the Buddha’s entire life; terracotta figurine and utensil, beads, coins, weapons, etc. The ethnographic section displays the marvelous skill of embroidery, carved wood and tribal Jewelry. The newly discovered Spiritual Stone at Sappal bandi having carved name of Muhammad (PBUH).There are tabbarkat (sanctified remnants) of Muhammad (PBUH),Hazrat Usman RA, Hazrat Ali RA and other august religious personalities at Noor Mahal near Chak Dara.

          In fact, first survey of Swat was conducted by a famous archaeologist Sir Aural Stein (1862-43) and some places was dug but without great success as the work was not carried on scientifically. Then in 1956 Pakistan Archaeological Department in collaboration with Italian government started work on scientific level and achieved success. Ironically, many statues, jewelry, items, etc were taken legally or illegally to adorn museums of England, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea and Pakistan, thus, depriving the de facto heirs.

            Buildings: The land is filled with tombs of saints who devoted their entire lives to propagate Islam and to mould the lives of masses according to Shariah (Islamic code of life).There are Saidu Baba Tomb (Saidu Sharif); Gul Abdul Wadood Tomb (Aqba, Saidu Sharif) build on pattern of Akbar’s tomb; Deri Baba Tomb (Deri, Maghazar); Leuno Pir Tomb (Shanglayar); Baijur Baba Tomb (Baijuray); Shaikh Baba Tomb (Malam Jabba); Mian Baba Tomb (Marghazar road); Noor Baba Tomb (Marghazar road); Mian Karim Dad Baba Tomb (Kanju); Qaim Baba Tomb ( Matta); the famous tomb of Pir Khushal and tombs of two sons of Ghaznavi (Odigram) ;etc.                                                                                 There were 33 forts during the reign of Gul Abdul Wadood. The famous one is Barikot Fort, Odigram fort, Manglor fort as they are mentioned by historians of Alexander time. Some ruined forts cum palaces are present at Manglor, Mengora,Damghaz, Jambeel, etc. Among palaces; the White Palace of Marghazar built by Gul Abdul Wadood, the marble used in the palace have significance, coming from the same quarry that supplied the Taj Mahal; Palace of Aqba at Aqba,Saidu Sharif; Palace at Saidu Sharif (now Serena Hotel).There are many mosques ,e.g. Saidu Baba Mosque at Saidu Sharif, made of marble and other stone with two big minarets and four robust pillars ; the Sandal Mosque of Kalam, all built by wood especially Sandal. But now its roof has been replaced with concrete and have a big hearth to provide heat in cold winter; an ancient mosque of wood in village of Atror. It is made of wood and has marvelous engraving and wood work. There is minaret in Aqba, built by Gul Abdul Wadood, on a pattern of Qutub Minar Delhi.

           Hill Stations and Valleys: There are numerous hill stations and valleys. Marghazar is 16km from Saidu Sharif and famous for white palace and the way to Koh-e-Elam is just 4 hours trekking from the White Palace. Jambeel valley is near Mingora. Pantogram is situated in this valley that is famous for archaeological sites and industry. Malam Jabba, a hill station of 9200 ft height, situated in Karakoram Range and is built with Austrian help. It is 40 km from Saidu Sharif. It is the home of the largest ski resort and a ski slope of about 800m. Miandam is a small resort 10 km up a steep side valley and 56 km from Saidu Sharif. Madyan is 60 km from Mengora. Here mountains close in and the valley is almost a snug. It is famous from embroidery of shawl (sheet used as veil by women). It has height of 4359 ft. It houses a big hatchery and offers a beautiful scene of Bashigram Mountain and blue water of Bashigram River. Here Swat River and Bashigram River meet to present a wonderful scene.

            Behrain is another famous resort about 70km from Saidu Sharif, having height of 4500ft. Its oldest name is ‘Bhonal’ and ‘Branial’.

             Kalam is 90km from Saidu Sharif and has height of 7343ft. It is the most beautiful spot of Swat. It is enclave by mountains from all sides and the newly born Swat river Shrieks like a nascent baby after its birth by the merger of the Ushu River and the Atror river. Zameer Jaffri said about Kalam:

            jam tak  aye, maye  ghulfam  tak aye  nahi

         Jo Swat tak aye, magar Kalam tak aye nahi

(People who came to Swat Valley and didn’t visit Kalam are equivalent to those who held the bowl of flower wine but didn’t taste it.)

             Kalam is a launching pad for going to Atror Valley (15km from Kalam) and then advance further 5km to land in Gibral Valley. If one moves 8km toward east of Kalam, the beautiful Ushu Valley welcomes you with open arm. After 3 km from Ushu, starts Mataltan Valley with a beautiful waterfall and  then a big glacier ,if ,one move 35 km from Mataltan, Mahudand lake(9000ft) will welcome with blue carpet and tasty trout and here, snow covered Falak Ser will embrace his head with motherly affection.

             Lakes: There are 52 lakes in Swat .The famous one are Pari lake, Kundol lake, Bashigram lake, Neel Sar lake, Spin khor lake, Khar Khari lake, Mahudand lake, Shandur lake, Daral lake, Mankial lake, Bari Baba lake, Panashai lake, etc. They are accessible and present a picturesque scene and trance for the viewers.

              Rivers: There are many rivers. Abbasine (Sind) River traverses 50km distance in Swat Valley. However, Swat River is the longest, heart pleasing and is jugular vein of fertility of the Swat Valley. It has many names Swastoos, Swaltasi, Swastass and White River.  The other rivers are Oshu, Gibral, Khawaza Khela, Manglore, Jambeel, Marghazar, Miandam, Madyan, Bashigram, Shahpure, Panashi, etc.

            Water Falls: There are many waterfalls: Shahi Banal, Kiran Gah, Shanar, Arad Gial and Ochar are famous. Ochar is very well-known as it falls from the height of 1500ft.

               Glaciers: There is a big glacier near Mataltan. Many tourists visit this glacier, enjoy surrounding canopy of different mountains and remain here for the whole day. There are many glaciers at Kargloo and other places too.

               Springs: There are abundant springs containing naturally filtered water and have great digestive ability. Some springs contains minerals and plants extract and act as natural medicine for intestine, skin, bones, etc. Such springs are present at Saidu Sharif, Bahrain and a very famous spring “Shifa Spring” near Falak Ser.  

              Mountains: Swat Valley is situated at meeting place of Hindu Kush Range and Karakorum Range. These mountains have peaks and passages. The famous are is Koh-e-Falk Seer (20,000 ft) and welcomes visitors when they land in Kalam city. Koh-i- Manakial is near Bahrain, it has height of 19000 ft. Koh e Elam (10,000ft) is a boundary between Swat and Buner.

             Passes: There are many passes: Mukhozi pass which connects Gokand with Baboozi. It is 10,000 ft high. There is a beautiful pass of Karakar between Swat and Buner with height of 4000 ft. The Shaghla pass connects Swat Valley (khwaza Khaila) to Shangla. It has height of 7000 ft.

              Tops: The famous tops are White Hill, Falak Ser, Mankial top (20000ft), Shal Khosar (11,000 ft), Malam Jabba(9000ft) and Pir Sar in Chakesar is famous for Alexander’s invasion.

              Location of Swat is important. Valley lied on the old transit road between Central Asia and China via Gilgit. So its location made it significant. It lies in front of corridors of Hindu Kush that made it strategically and economically important.

                Health Resort: The climate of Swat is naturally bestowed with health giving property. Apart from a recreational spot, it is also a health resort with it sanitary milieu. Water of Swat River is considered natural medicine, having special health restoring power.

                River Bashigram is blue like Robin’s egg and its water is also considered as natural medicine.

                Medicinal Plants: In Atror and Gibral, 44 medicinal plants are collected just in four months. Only 14 of them are used in national and international markets, the rest are used locally.

            It is reported by Forest Department that 75 crude herbal drugs are extensively exported and about 200 are locally traded in Pakistan. Swat is enriched with medicinal plants which have great health as well as economic importance if they are harvested, stored and transported properly.

           Wild life of Swat has great diversity; one finds galloping hares, cunning foxes, fool Jackals, mimicry monkeys, furious wolfs, etc.

            One finds precious hawk, eagle and falcon on high mountains, and hears the songs of nightingale, lark, quail, dove and enjoy the silence of swallows. Then partridge, starling, vulture, owl, bat and crows embellish the atmosphere.

             Honey: Pure honey of Swat is famous all over the country. But newly introduced moveable bee-hives have greatly influenced the locally reared bees.

              Trout: Swat is famous for a delicious and rare fish trout. There are about 35 hatcheries in Swat in addition to natural habitat of rivers and lakes. The Mahudand Lake is famous for trout hunting. Trout is good for heart; eyes and reproductive system. Swat has turned into industry of trout.

             Trees: There is great variety of trees. The presence of sandal, olive and saffron is reported by Chinese travelers in their travelogues. Pinus roxburgia, pines longiflia, deodar, cedrus, cypress, poplar are extensively found. Some famous herbs are Soma bootti, and ghuchi. There is mushroom growth of famous flower Nameer near Koh-e-Elam.

              Fruit: One finds apple, apricot, walnut, peach, grapes, pear, fig, persimmon (edible fruit of American or East Asian tree of genus Diospyros), plum, strawberry, grapes, etc. About 60% of fruit used in Pakistan comes from Swat. So, for us, it is a fruit basket. Soma bootti is very popular and its juice is considered beverage of the paradise. Similarly juice of Ghuchi is internationally famous, it is exported to France.

               Grassland: In the plain area of Valley, one finds lush green field yielding cereals, fodders apart from portraying the image of grassland. The prairies of Kalam Bhoin, Kalam kas, Kalam Khas, Ariyani, Ashoran, Kargloo are worth seeing and bewitching.

                Mineral: Swat is rich in mineral wealth but the discovered commodities are much fewer than actual reservoirs.  Top three minerals are China clay, marble and emerald. China clay is found at Kathyar in NekpiKheil; a place 15 km from Mingora. Marble is found at Marghazar, Charbagh, Barikot. Emerald is found in Mingora city; it has fine quality, good colour and transparency and thus makes it unique in the world. According to Mining Dept, “There exists export potential of 500-600 million dollars in this sector, provided it is excavated and cut per international standards”. Soap clay is recently discovered between Alpurai and Kanra on the side of Gilgit Road. In market other precious stones of pukhraj (topaz), yaqoot(ruby),kanrite (granite), neelum(sapphire),amethyst, etc, and their jewelry is available.

             Handicraft: Hands of Swatti people have magic that weave wool and silk into Sharai (blanket), Shawl(sheet), Rug(tradition carpet of shepherds),cap, coat, gloves, table sheet, pillow cover, etc. They are manufactured at Fatehpure, Bagh Deri, Shaikhala. But the village of Salampure is famous all over the country; it has hundreds of looms and skilled people. Asoka used to fetch shawl from Swat for his use.

             Embroidery is another magic of Swatti hands. Panhey are old fashioned shoes of leather with golden laces; Shkor is pot to keep bread; there are different furniture items; chair, table, cot, cradle, etc. The wood of swat is not only durable but also suitable for woodworking.

              Races and Religions: The historic stage of Swat witnessed many plays of different races Dravidian, Aryan, Iranian, Greek, Saka, Kushan, Hun, Hindu Shahi, Yousaf Zais, Akhunds, etc, and different religions Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and the magnanimous Islam.

               Hospitality: The hospitality of Swatti people is unmatchable. I experienced many act of hospitableness which deserves to be mentioned. First, the side-mirror of my car was broken by a car-washer at Malam-Jabba. When I returned to Mingora and went to a spare parts shop. I took mirror and asked its price. The shopkeeper told me “Rs 600”. I requested for concession. He told, “It is of Rs 800 and you are guest. So I demanded Rs 600 what is its cost price”. Then I went to a dentar and asked him to fit the mirror. He was busy with another car; he left that and fitted the mirror. I inquired about labour charges. He said, “Nothing you are our guest.” In another incidence, I went to China Market of Mingora and bought three emergency lights of 1350 Rs. When, I opened my wallet to pay. I had little money in front pocket of wallet. The shopkeeper guessed I have run short of money. He said in jiffy, “no need of money”! I was astonished to hear this generosity. Then from other pocket of wallet, I extracted 5000 Rs note and gave to him with thanks. Third, I bought double bread, jam, yoghurt, bottle of soft drink, etc from the Punjab Sweet. When, I was to pay money. The owner of shop said, “Please take it as a gift”, I was stunned to hear this large hearted offer. I asked his name; “I am Haris Karim”. Then I paid the bill after a lot of debate and settlement on the condition that I would take bottle as a gift. Next day I gave him a present as quid pro quo. Fourth, It happened thrice during my four days stay at Mingora, that when I along with my wife and four children was about to cross a busy road. The traffic stopped on both sides to give us passage. We felt for a moment that we are living in any civilized city of Europe. Fifth, we went to see the tomb of Gul Abdul Wodood where we asked a rickshaw driver Niaz Muhammad about the tomb. He came along us up to tomb and then he also escorted us to Minaret and nearby forest and spring. He remained with us as a “guide” for about two hours. When we offered him thanks and wanted to depart, he said please have a cold drink and forcibly compelled us to have a drink. We bought some sweets and biscuits and gave him with a lot of requests for his children .He refused and on third party’s intervention, he reluctantly accepted. Sixth, during our visit to White Palace, manager of the hotel Naveed Awan showed us every inch of palace and presented tea. He offered thrice for dinner which we refused. Seventh, it happened with me four times that I gave passage to a vehicle to pass. In return, the driver of vehicle waved his hands in thanks. Apart from these, there is a lot of respect of “female”. No one dare to molest female, a problem which we often face in Lahore and other parts of the Punjab. Another point of mention is that if there is road blockage, no vehicle breaks the lane as a result traffic runs smoothly. These virtues forced me to change my opinion about Pathans and in a meeting with an elderly Pathan at Malam Jabba, I inquired of him, there are many jokes circulating about the stupidity and irrational behavior of Pathans but I have found “Pathans” otherwise. He said the Pathans who are engaged in fighting, show polishing and show stupidity are not Swatti Pathan, and they have different origin, clan and display low morality. We also feel ashamed of about their ridiculous behavior. The hospitality and nobility of character exhibited by Swatti people is the biggest allurement for the visitors.

              Swat is the crown of nature on earth, studded with the jewels of archaeological allotropy, magnanimity of buildings, enchanting beauty of hill stations and valleys, nimbly streams, gushy falls, a roaring rivers, cool clean water of springs, sky high mountains, green curly passes, snowy peaks, healthy milieu, diversity of wild life, delicious fruits, precious minerals, crafty handicrafts, miraculous medicinal shrubs, abode of various races, durable wood, everlasting Ghadhara, serenity of area ,soothing climate and above all exemplary hospitality, cordiality and helpfulness of its people. These jewels of terrain and trait attract people, when someone gets struck in trance of any one particular jewel, he names Swat for that very specialty. That is why we find too many epithets. So, the mesmerizing scenery of Swat attracted me to an extent, a plump of thought came in my mind that SWAT is an abbreviation of Scenery Which Attract Tourists with its Soil, Water, Atmosphere and Trees (SWAT) and thus is Soothing, Wonderful, Astonishing and Thrilling (SWAT)!

            That is how new epithets come into existence!

                    

           

  

WHY KINGS LOVED TO VISIT SWAT VALLEY?

WHY KINGS LOVED TO VISIT SWAT VALLEY?

PROF WAQAR HUSSAIN

                  Khushal Khan Khattak, a great Pushto poet, once said: “Swat Valley fills the hearts of kings with happiness.” Why he said so? One needs to ponder it! To answer the question, first, go through the long list of kings and other distinguished persons who visited this Valley.

                Aryan religious scripture “Riga Veda” states that Aryan who originated from the prairielands of Central Asia and entered through the corridor of Hindu Kush, first, settled at Swat and started singing bhajan (hymn). In other holy book of Aryan “Mahabharata”, we find mention of Swat River as Sawasto, being regarded as a sacred river.

              Hindu has special reverence for Swat Valley. They believe Rama Chandra spent the period of 14 years exile at Mount Elam (10000ft) Swat, so they consider this mountain a sacred one. The Rama Takht (seat of Ram) is worth seeing even today. According to Hindu mythology, Swat is in the centre of the world. Near this mountain, there is a mushroom growth of a unique red coloured, eatable flower named Namer. The Hindu considers this flower very sacred. The above episode, if true, proves that Ram’s heart must be filled with happiness as he spent 14 years here.

                In Judaism, the word Swat means paradise, no farther details are available.

                Archaeologists have disclosed that swat was socially, economically, cultural, trade wise an enriched valley before the advent of Aryans. Remains discovered at Ghallegay have close resemblance to that of Indus Civilization. That is why, its archaeology age is determined 2400 BC to 5^th AD.

                   A renowned king of Iran, Darius heart must be filled with happiness by employing the brave and courageous people of Swat in his army. His heart must be filled with happiness when he imported stones and wood of Swat to build and adorn his palace.

                    Alexander the Great, the king of Macedonia, invaded Swat in 327 BC and fought an important battle of Udegram and Barikot identified in accounts as Ora and Bazira respectively. He also fought many other battles and conquered a large chunk of the valley. According to natives of Swat, the brave Swatti offered tough resistance and fought with so courage that Alexander had to come on peace term. Here in Swat, he uttered a historical statement, “Oh! My mother, you have given birth to one Alexander. But here, one finds Alexander behind every rock.” Alexander was great admirer of bravery so his heart must have been filled with pleasure.

                    Years after Alexander’s invasion, his follower Selenkos handed over the conquered parts of Swat Valley to Chandar Gupt Maurya. Asoka a powerful king of Maurya dynasty sowed the seed of Buddhism in the valley.

                   Fahein (399-414), Chinese pilgrim, reported that Buddha Visited Swat. There is a tradition that when Buddha came to Swat from northern India, he left a foot print on a stone. This mark of foot doesn’t look to every one of same size; larger for the more dedicated Buddhists and smaller for the lesser ones.

                      Fahein called Swat Odhyna meaning garden. He reported another tradition: “When Buddha visited here in his previous life, he donated his eyes to a blind person”. He quoted another tradition: “there is a place Taksha Sela (meaning cutting of head), Buddha in his last life, in embodiment of Bhudastwa chopped his head for a person. So this place came to be known as Takha sella”.

                  There is Asia tallest statue of Buddha at Jehanabad, Swat. There is a folklore that Buddha visited this mound of Jehanabad and delivered a lecture to people, gods and goddesses, advising them to tread on right path. When Buddha departed, by miracle, a stupa of few boulders appeared. Veracity of these traditions is not known.

                   Asoka who turned Buddhist after the battle of Kalinga, in which one lakh people were killed, also visited Swat. He built Butt Kadda place of worship in Mingora. Now it is called Gul Kadda. In the centre there is a large stupa, surrounded by 240 mini stupas. What is stupa? It is reported that the ash of Buddha’s dead body was buried in 84000 stupas, so one can say it is a tomb of Buddha. Worshipper saunters around the dome shapped stupa and also glances at the pictures engraved on the stupa that portray the whole life of Buddha. So stupa can also be regarded as stone inscribed biography of Buddha. On the top of Stupa, there is series of seven canopies representing seven skies.

                     Asoka was deeply impressed by the natural beauty and serenity of the area that he regard it Odhyna. One tradition is that Asoka built a garden and named it Odhyna (Asoka’s garden). Asoka felt it is a good place for meditation. So, he permanently settled here and died near Bahrain. His heart must have been filled with happiness that he decided so.

         In fact, Swat warmly welcomed Buddhism as if flourished and prospered much greater here than the place where it got birth. Thus Swat became the cradle of Buddhism and often referred as land of Stupas. The Buddh Sani(successor of Buddh) Padma Sambo or Rim Poochi was inhabitant of Swat. Swat provided a launching pad for Buddhism and enabled her to spread to the other corners of the world.

             Buddhists believe that the last Buddha Ameeta Bassi will emanate from Swat and will bestow peace and tranquility to the entire world. Buddhism spread in Swat in 200 BC, gained ground in Asoka reign, dominated up to 900 AD and then started declining when the glare of Islam dazzled all the elements of infidelity.

              Fahein (337-422) Chinese pilgrim visited Swat in 403 AD and reported existence of 500 monasteries which were originally 1400 but most were damaged due to invader or earthquake.

              Xuang Zang (602-664) another Chinese pilgrim visited Swat in 630 AD. He recounted a legend of Bahrain in travelogues when a dragon destroyed the crops by controlling the rains. It was the punishment for villagers as they reduced size of tribute to the kings. He reported worship places of Buddhism are dilapidated and the followers of Buddhism are practicing magic and witch craft.

               Mahmood Ghaznavi was probably the first Muslim ruler to invade Swat in 1001 AD. He fought a fierce battle at Udegram and defeated the strong army of Raja Girra. The Commander of Ghaznavi, Pir Khushal Baba martyred in the battle. His tomb is still reminding us the first advent of Muslim in this area. Thus Ghaznavi planted the seed of Islam, which later on flourished and blossomed to a towering tree. In 1985, an Italian archaeologist uncovered a mosque of Ghaznavi period.

             Chenghis Khan and Timur traversed the valley during Mongol Invasion in 1300-1400 AD.
              In 1500, Babur came to Swat. Gibaris Tajik were residing here after defeating Buddhist and Hindu. Later on some Dilazaks encroached the area and settled among Gibris who in turn were ousted by Yusuf Zais which were backed by Babur. So Babur‘s heart must be filled by the victory and the beauty of Swat as he was epicurean.

              Akbar invaded Swat in 1586 AD but was unlucky to be defeated in spite of strong army. His heart must have not been filled with happiness. However, Akbar was successful in building a massive fort at Damkot hills. This might have given him some consolation.

             Sir Winston Churchill visited Swat in 1897 as a young (24 year) columnist of the Daily Telegraph when he dispatched from the top of Damkot hill overlooking the beautiful valley and the Chakdara Fort. (the Dawn report).

               According to Mustansar Hussain Tarar, “there is a Choki after But Khaila, where Winston Churchill used to watch/ guard the movement of enemy’s troops.  Churchill was so afraid of Pathan’s attack that he started drinking brandi (a variety of alcohol) here”.

             Famous British historian Arnold Toynbee spent few days in Swat that he recorded in travelogue “Between Oxus and Jumna”. Toynbee admired Wali of Swat by saying “he had resemblance with 18^th century broadminded European king”.

            

               Muhammad Perwaish Shaheen mentioned in his book on Swat that there are graves of Israeli Prophets in Swat. If it is true, then, even prophets were attracted by this area.

                   Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain visited Swat in 1961 and stayed at White Palace for three days as she discovered the deep tradition and history which surround the swat valley.

                   There is long list of dignitaries who visited Swat. For instance; Hungarian-British Archaeologist Mare Aural Stein( 1862-43), Roman Geographer Pliny (b.23 AD), Professor Eagermont, Greek traveler Irian, D K Mehta (2004, an Indian commissioner), Murtaza Bhuttoo, Pir Sabir Shah(ex-Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa), Abdul Aziz Mirza (2002) Chief of Naval Staff , Justice Rana Baghwan Das (2004) Justice Javed Iqbal (2004), etc.

               Why Kings loved to visit Swat? This valley has numerous characteristic features, in fact, it is a glittering necklace of shining emerald green valleys, snow covered soaring mountains, jade green prairies, diamonds of multicoloured   fruits -all are studded on the swirling white Swat River which serpents over hilly course with roar trying to release itself from the fetters, but on other places, it is as silent as star and perfectly at ease.

               Swat valley has history of manifold dimension, archaeological diversity of remains, blooming fields, thick forests, fruit laden prostrating trees, melodious song of birds, brazen brown bawdy mountains to green lofty mountains, ice capped peaks, nimbly streams, gushing falls, angry growling speedy rivers, cool springs, etc.

                Moderate climate, crystal clean cool water, precious minerals, everlasting and luminous Ghandhara, unique emerald, white dazzling marble, durable wood, house of many races; Dravidian, Aryan, Iranian, Greek, Turk, Saka, Kushan, etc ; place of many religions Hinduism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism and finally the eternal Islam.

                Swat is an area of attraction for anthropologist, theologian, geologist, mineralogist, botanist, zoologist, chemist, linguist, ethnologist, forester, horticulturist, agriculturist, pisciculturist, floriculturist, etc.

                Water of Swat River is considered natural medicine and has special convalescing power that is why now it is exported to other area and a plant “Swat Mineral Water” has been set up. Swat is a health resort with its hygienic environment so it is a divine sickbay for the patients.

            Swat has hill stations like Marghazar, Malam Jabba, Miandam, Madyan, Bahrain, Kalam,etc. Each has something special.Geographic location is very vital now and in past. Swat valley once lied on the old transit road between China and Central Asia through Gilgit.

            Swat is at the foot of mountain ranges connecting the Hindu Kush with the Karakoram. The Creator has been gracious and benevolent regarding natural beauty and serenity. God bestowed Swat fascinating landscape, captivating atmosphere, crystal clear water, diverse fauna and flora, mesmerizing lakes, beauty of all altitudes;  top, mountain, valley, ditches, etc.

              The valley is filled with unique fauna and flora. Hairs, fox, Jackal, wolf, hyenas, monkey, etc, are galloping in the woods. Trees of chir, deodar, cypress, etc, and fruits of apple, apricot, pear, peach, walnut, fig, etc. Soma botti has great popularity, its juice is considered beverage of the paradise. Similarly, juice of Ghuchi is highly valuable and is exported to France.

                Kings adored the landscape and coveted for its enriched multifarious blessings thus wished to keep it under their thumb. They found it amazingly charming in traversing the roadside route on horseback, leading their soldiers. The feeling of possession of such a precious land filled their hearts with happiness.

               Or perhaps, Khushal Khan Khattak wanted to say whosoever visits Swat valley, smells fragrance of flower, taste the fruits, feel the soothing cool breeze, see the picturesque sites, listen the melodious songs of birds and the snarling of rivers, thus appeasement of all senses made him feel, to be in the paradise and raises to the level of a king and for a moment, feels himself to be a king and his heart is filled with pleasure.

               To me, SWAT is an abbreviation of Scenery Which Attract Tourists with its Soil, Water, Atmosphere and Trees (SWAT) and thus is Soothing, Wonderful, Astonishing and Thrilling (SWAT).

   

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