Caretaker Federal Minister for Interior and Narcotics Control Hamid Nawaz Khan here on Monday said the situation in Swat would return to normal within a week. Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of an Immigration and Passport Complex, he said the number of miscreants has been reduced remarkably in Swat.
There are a few who are threaten the people and spread false rumours about occupying certain positions, he added. "We are planning to put in place Local Peace Committees to make sure no foreign elements interfere and exploit the situation," he said. The Minister said the situation in Swat is not that troubled and has been exaggerated by the media. He said normalcy would be established soon and the people of the area would surely participate in the upcoming general election.
He said the government had not issued notices to the former judges to vacate their accommodation and they can retain their respective houses for a month. He however, pointed out that newly appointed judges would also need accommodation.
He said the ex-judges are not under detention. They can move freely anywhere in the country and the government would facilitate them if they want to shift to their native places.
Talking about the two suicide bomb explosions in Rawalpindi on November 24, he said investigation is underway, but ruled out any link of these blasts with the Swat situation. He said efforts are underway to release all the arrested political workers. He said Supreme Court Bar Association president Aitzaz Ahsan can move freely and the security which has been provided to him is only for his protection.