By Fazal Khaliq
SWAT: Elders from Kalam and Utror valleys clarified on Friday that they were not involved in the altercation depicted in a viral video on social media. This statement came during a press conference held at the Swat Press Club, led by PTI’s Provincial Additional General Secretary, Malak Asif Shehzad.
Alongside him were Youth Chairman and former Utror Nazim, Malak Abdul Rauf, and Youth Vice Chairman, Malak Ghulam Ali, along with several elders and social activists.
They emphasized that the video circulating on social media, showing people in conflict, inaccurately portrayed a situation as a dispute between local shopkeepers of Utror Valley and district administration officials. However, they asserted that no such incident occurred in Utror bazaar. They emphasized their community’s hospitality and adherence to the law, stating they have always respected guests, whether common people or district officials.
The group highlighted an incident where a local dispute between two individuals in Utror was misrepresented as a confrontation with an assistant commissioner on social media. They vehemently condemned such misrepresentation, viewing it as an attempt to tarnish the reputation of Utror’s peaceful inhabitants.
Furthermore, they clarified that the assistant commissioner was taking action against shopkeepers selling substandard goods at inflated prices during Ramadan. While fines were imposed during inspections, they stressed that the situation was resolved peacefully. They underscored the unity between the business community and the administration of Kalam, condemning the misrepresentation of the incident on social media.
