SWAT: The Swat action committee on Saturday called off its planned protests against the provincial government`s move to make the Saidu group of teaching hospital an MTI (medical teaching institution), following the successful negotiations between the elected representatives of Swat and the Swat action committee.

This announcement was made in Mingora by the provincial minister, Fazal Hakeem Khan Yusufzai, along with DDAC chairman Advocate Akhtar Khan , saying District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital category one would be fully operational in district Swat.

The talks took place at the conference hall of Saidu Me dical College, wherein provincial minister Fazal Hakeem Khan Yusufzai, DDAC Chairman Akhtar Khan advocate, principal of Saidu Medical College Dr.

Israr-ul-Haq, MS of Saidu group of teaching hospital Dr.

Mohammad Jameel, additional deputy commissioner, and mem-bers from the Swat action committee, including president of the Malakand division traders federation Abdul Rahim, district leaders of various political parties, doctors, civil society members, and local elders participated.

After extensive deliberations, the government representatives announced that Saidu central hospital would be granted full DHQ category one status, and after upgradation of facilities, the MTI act would be implemented at the Saidu teaching hospital.

Addressing the gathering, provincial minister Fazal Hakeem Khan Yusufzai and Akhtar Khan reaffirmed their commitment to solving the problems of the people of Swat. `We have worked in the past for the betterment of Swat and will continue to do so in the future. Our doors are always open for everyone, including the Swat action committee,` they stated.

On behalf of the Swat action committee, Abdul Rahim said their objective is betterment of the community, not confrontation.