Commissioner Malakand Division Abid Khan Wazir stated that 70 percent of Pakistan’s population resides in rural areas, and providing such a large population with education and all modern facilities is essential to putting the country on the path of peace, progress, prosperity, and stability.

SWAT- Commissioner Malakand Division Abid Khan Wazir stated that 70 percent of Pakistan’s population resides in rural areas, and providing such a large population with education and all modern facilities is essential to putting the country on the path of peace, progress, prosperity, and stability.

The Social Lab-Smart Village Project Swat is an innovative and revolutionary step by government in this regard.He expressed these views while addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Social Lab-Smart Village Project, organized by the University of Swat in collaboration with the Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (KPCVE).

The ceremony was also addressed by Dr. Ayaz Khan, Chief Coordination Officer of KPCVE, Director General Dr. Muhammad Qasim of KPCVE, Dr. Hassan Sher, Vice-Chancellor University of Swat, and other speakers.

They emphasized the importance and significance of the Social Lab-Smart Village Project in fostering sustainable development in rural communities, improving their quality of life, and providing modern facilities such as internet access, digitization, and training. They highlighted that this innovative and first-of-its-kind project would establish technology centers, smart energy solutions, and digital training hubs with the collaboration of industry partners, particularly high-tech organizations of exceptional reputation and quality.

The Commissioner, Khan said that investing in and developing human resources is a core agenda and vision of the provincial government, as nations worldwide have achieved progress by developing their human resources.

He noted that approximately 70% of Pakistan’s population resides in rural areas. This significant population can play a vital role in the country’s development and prosperity, but it is essential to provide these rural areas with education, communication, and all modern facilities. The Commissioner Malakand emphasized that the Social Lab-Smart Village Project is a crucial step in this direction, and he is confident that its success will be a beacon of hope for development, peace, and prosperity not only in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but throughout Pakistan.

Haroon Siraj