ISLAMABAD: A presentation on Swat by Adnan Aurangzeb was organised by the Asian Study Group (ASG) at the Serena Hotel on Thursday.

The multimedia presentation, which featured anecdotes, photographs, and letters, opene d with a photograph of Malala Yousafzai, but went on to trace the history of Swat, starting with the 3rd millennia BC and culminating in its 50 year existence as a princely state.

The presentation was part of an event titled `Opening Event, Swat: The Princely State 1917-1969, for the year 2015-2016`. ASG also launched the 2016 ASG calendar and accepted membership forms.

The calendar was made up of photographsfrom an annual photography competition organised by ASG. The prize winning photographs for this year were Abdul Qadir Memon`s `Hard Work`, Akhlaqur Rehman`s `Polo in Gilgit` and Andrzej Ananicz`s `Lonely Travellers, Saiful Mulk`.

British High Commissioner Phillip Barton, who is also an ASG patron was also present at the event. He said, `There is a long tradition of British high commissioners being involved with the Asian Study Group and I am delighted to continue that tradition.

Introducing the speaker for the evening, Barton said that Aurangzeb was `uniquely qualified to speak about Swat from 1917 to 1969notjustbecauseheisthegrandsonofthe last Wali but also because he is a fantastic collector of historical memorabilia.

Described as the `Switzerland of the East`by Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Swat in February 1961, the land of Swat has a rich and fascinating history.

Aurangzeb`s vast knowledge of the region, garnered through interviews with his grandfather, the last Wali of Swat, and the last heir apparent, his father.

Aurangzeb said, `The story of Swat needs to be told. It is a beautiful, magical place, which used to be a choice vacation spot for tourists.

While that era is no more, I can attempt to recreate that beauty for you.

The presentation opened with a photograph of Malala Yousafzai because, `She put Swat on the map, but for the sad reason that girls are shot for getting an education. But the first girls` school was established in Swat in 1926 and education was a great priority for the Wall.