Pakistan army soldiers escort tribal families, who fled their villages in a Pakistani border area of Waziristan due to Pakistan army crackdown operations against Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants along the Afghan border, on their way back to their homes in Tank near Dera Ismail Khan on Friday, Dec. 10, 2010. AP Photo

ISLAMABAD: The grand jirga of Pakistan Army and tribal elders have decided that the return of South Waziristan IDPs from Tank would start from April 30.

Thousands of Mehsud tribesmen were displaced as a result of a military operation against Al-Qaeda and Taliban

Talking to a private news channel, Brigadier Shahid Mehmood appreciated the role of South Waziristan people in the government's efforts against militancy. "The safe and dignified return of Mehsud people is Pak Army's top priority. The damaged infrastructure of education and health has been revived by the army in affected areas while a medical team is also present in the area to provide medical cover to the returning Mehsuds," he said.

"The Mehsuds have proved their patriotism by working with the army and the political administration. We hold their sacrifices in high esteem," he said.

He said the IDPs would be provided ration for six months, tents and other basic items free of cost. He further said the tribal elders assured complete cooperation to the army and political administration in their struggle to establish complete peace in the Agency.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...