Click to play videoNew Delhi: The beautiful Swat Valley, also known as the Switzerland of Pakistan, is now under the control of Taliban. For the past many years, it has been the scene of fierce battle between the Taliban and Pakistani forces.
Following the imposition of Sharia law and the peace deal, guns have finally fallen silent in the region.
Cheerful voices have replaced the gunfire and laughter has replaced cries but not without a mix of ground realities.
The Pakistan government on Monday signed a truce with the Taliban and local hardliners accepting imposition of the Islamic law in an attempt to curb terror in the Swat Valley.
While the world has been sceptical of the deal, residents are rejoicing as children can now go back to schools, vehicles are back on the roads and the markets abuzz with activity.
"We are very happy with the accord between the TSNM and the government," a resident of the region says.
Even as critics have warned of repercussions, the Pakistan Government made it clear that the deal was reached keeping in mind the interests of the people of the Swat valley region.
Now people are seen crowding streets and markets without fear. Mingora witnessed open markets till late evening almost after one and a half year.
Traders, too, are happy with the boom at the local markets...
"Now that the curfew has been lifted our business will definitely do well. We are very happy," says a trader.
People staying in relief camps are now returning back to their homes in the Swat Valley.
Residents are also hoping that peace persists for a long time to come.
But though the truce may have brought temporary peace to the area, with a thriving arms market and lawless society, will peace just be a pause in the long history of violence in this north western region of Pakistan is left for time to tell?
Meanwhile, Chairman of Pakistan National Security Committee Raza Rabbani says he supports the truce in the Swat Valley
"Our ruling elite must come to terms with the truth that what we consider to be our Western values cannot hold grounds all the time. You have to mix values with ground realities and give it a touch which is Pakistani," says Rabbani.
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