Culture Distortion and the Rise of Militancy in Swat

Zafar Khan & Khurshaid

Abstract
Prior to merging with Pakistan, the peace in Swat valley was maintained with the help of
Pashtun cultural traits under the rule of Main Gul Abdul Wadud. In his reign, the state affairs
were governed according to the spirit of Pakhtun culture and Rewaj (customs). This
approach enabled him to maintain durable peace in Swat. However, the post merger period of
the valley faced numerous challenges such as socio-cultural distortion, which provided
spaces to radical forces. Moreover, the recent militancy in Swat valley emerged after the
socio-cultural distortion. Further, the socio-cultural distortion provides social and cognitive
infrastructure to the growing militancy in Swat valley.

Kewwords: Pashtunwali, Jarga, Riwaj,Cultural Distortion, Radical, Militancy, Talibanization