SWAT: For the first time in the history of Pakistan, the All-Pakistan National Open Scouts Groups Integral Conference was held in Swat. Fifty scout groups from all provinces of Pakistan participated in the event. The conference was organized by the Pakistan Boys Scouts Association in collaboration with Khpal Kor Foundation and Swat Scouts Open Group.
On the first day of the conference, Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Scouts Iftikhar Ahmed Shamozai, who was the chief guest, inaugurated the conference. He stated that organizing such a significant conference at the national level is a great honor for the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The purpose of the three-day conference is for All Pakistan Scouts Open groups from across the country to learn from each other and contribute to the nation through welfare activities.
A tour was arranged for the participating scouts to the tourist destinations of Marghazar and Malam Jabba Valley. During their visit to Malam Jabba Valley, the scouts also conducted a cleaning campaign, collecting and disposing of rubbish left by tourists.
Chief Commissioner of the Pakistan Boys Scouts Association, Sarfaraz Qamar Daha, was the chief guest of the conference, while the event was presided over by Member Provincial Assembly and DEDAC Chairman, Akhtar Khan Advocate.
MPA and DEDAC Chairman Akhtar Khan Advocate welcomed scouts from Sindh, Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, Khairpur, and Kohistan provinces. He mentioned that Pakistan will be well represented at the world scouts level. He also stated that the government will present the recommendations from the three-day conference to the Chief Minister of KPK for the development of scouts and solving their problems, and will implement these recommendations soon.
Chief Commissioner Pakistan Scouts Sarfaraz Qamar Daha and All Pakistan National Open Groups Commissioner Haji Muhammad Ali, in their addresses, highlighted the purpose of the conference: to increase organized membership of open groups and ensure participation in national and international level activities. They emphasized that scouting teaches youth leadership qualities and charitable work. The conference aimed to instill the spirit of scouting in school students so they can serve the country and the nation.
During the closing ceremony, scouts presented cultural traditional dances and national songs from the four provinces. The National Scouts Headquarters announced a grant of three lakh rupees for the successful organization of the conference. Chief Commissioner Sarfaraz Qamar Daha also administered an oath to the officials of the All Pakistan Open Boys Scouts Association to implement the recommendations approved by the majority at the conference. The ceremony concluded with the participation of provincial leaders, Prof. Dr. Naik Akhtar, Director of Youth Program, and other dignitaries.
