The Pakistan army in 2009 effectively crushed a two-year Taliban insurgency in Swat where cleric Maulana Fazlullah presided over a brutal campaign of beheadings, violence and multiple attacks on girls’ schools.
After fierce fighting displaced around two million people, the army declared the region back under control in July 2009.
Despite sporadic outbreaks of violence, the government has since tried to encourage tourism in Swat.
It had been popular with Pakistani and Western holidaymakers for its stunning mountains, balmy summer weather and winter skiing.
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