This picture is from the DAWN newspaper - Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan went with his family on vacations in Swat in 1973. Swat was the tourist hub until September 11th. attacks in the US. The rise of anti Americanism in Pakistan's north has changed Swat into the killing fields between Pakistani Taliban and Pakistan's armed forces.
Once, Swat's entire economy was based on tourism that has been shattered and people have been displaced.
Swat was also called the 'Switzerland of Pakistan'. Swat has an ancient history and is one of the most important sites rich in Buddhist heritage. Tantric Buddhism first developed in Swat and was later spread around other regions including Tibet.
Emerald from Swat is very famous aside from other precious and semi precious stones. Swati embridery is also intricate and found in vibrant colors. Stone art of Swat is famous and so is the wooden carvings. Swati trout is considered as one of the best fish in terms of taste. One of the biggest buys in the furniture with exquisite carving - a speciality of Swat and is very popular with foreigners for its designs and carvings.
One of the must see places is the Swat Museum which has Ghandhara sculptures excavated in Swat. This museum was established through Japanese collaboration and all the money was donated by Japan.
One of the recent reason for Swat to be in news is Malala Yousefzai - a young student who was shot in the head by Taliban.
Hope that conditions there normalize and people can get back homes and live normal lives, not in fear. I also hope that domestic tourism revives in Swat.
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