Abstract
The strategically located Swat Valley in Pakistan’s far North West is surrounded by Chitral, Gilgit, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Malakand and lower and upper Dir. The Islamist presence in all these areas was either tactical or operational, but in case of Swat Valley, it was strategic. The valley of Swat itself is surrounded by Hindukush in the West and North West and Karakuram Range in the East and North East. Across the Hindukush is the American occupied Afghanistan and Central Asia whereas beyond Karakuram in the North East is China and further down East is the Indian occupied Kashmir. And flanked by Karakuram Highway (KKH) in the East which is connected with the valley by a road going through Khwazakhela, Alpori, Shangla and Besham, the valley of Swat is super-strategic. Moreover, with Deosai plains at 14000 feet in the Karakuram Ranges as one, the valley of Swat is yet another cockpit to the surrounding regions and afar. It can also be a logistic hub for a Military Base at Deosai. What else is required to be a Strategic Cap-Stone of the New Great Game? No wonder, Swat attracts American geo-strategic interests.
Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman, . (2011) Swat Valley: The Strategic Cap-Stone , The Dialogue, Volume 6, Issue 4.
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