Swat Valley
The lush green and historic Swat Valley, in the Malakand Division lies between 34°-40′ to 35° N latitude and 72’ to 74°-6’ E longitude and is part of the Provincially Administrated Tribal Area (PATA) of the Khyber- Pukhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The valley is an integral part of the strategic and significant region where three parts of the Asian continent–South Asia, Central
Asia and China meet.
The historical and cultural remains of the area provide evidence about human activities covering a large span of time. Alexander the Great came here in 327 BC en route India. In ancient times it remained center of Buddhism, still having its marks found from river bed to the tops of the mountains. During Abdul Wadud (1917-1949) and Jahan Zeb’s (1949-1969) peaceful reign Swati territories forming part of Swat State witnessed unprecedented development in the fields of education, health and communication..
The magnificent Swat Valley, popularly known as the Switzerland of Pakistan, is situated north of Peshawar. In ancient times it remained centre of then flourishing Buddhist civilisation, still having its remnants found at various places. Its old name was Udyana (Land of Gardens). The archeological sites and monasteries dating back to Buddhist era add to its historical charm. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Swat Valley is full of roaring rivers, lush green forests and snow-covered peaks adding to its natural attraction. “Upper” and “Lower” Swat are terms in vogue based on the arbitrary demarcation of higher and lower regions in the valley by Swat River.