RAWALPINDI: Nearly 40 per cent of the internally displaced persons have so far returned to their homes, Army Chief Genral Raheel Sharif was apprised during his visit to the North Waziristan Agency on Saturday.

The army chief was briefed about the progress of ongoing Operation Zarb-i-Azb and the return of IDPs, read a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations.

Details related to the ongoing rehabilitation work, and its effects on the socio-economic landscape of the area were also shared with the military chief.

Gen Raheel expressed satisfaction over the pace of rehabilitation work and directed all concerned to ensure a dignified return of IDPs — to a better built and rehabilitated area.

Giving details, the formation commander said that around 291,827 families were internally displaced due to the Zarb-e-Azb operation. So far, nearly 108,503 families have returned to their homes following the successful culmination of the military operation.

The army chief interacted with the tribal elders and recently returned IDPs, and assured them that the army will stay in the area till the completion of resettlement process.

The tribal elders appreciated the efforts of military in carrying out successful operations, and affirmed that with the help of the army, terrorists will never be allowed to return in the area.

General Raheel Sharif also inaugurated a 110 bedded Tehsil headquarters hospital in Mir Ali, which has been equipped with state of the art equipment, the ISPR said.

He appreciated the army engineers for their dedicated efforts in executing quality construction work.

To enhance education standards and help locals benefit from the emerging economic opportunities, Gen Raheel announced the construction of a cadet college near Mir Ali for children of Waziristan.

Appreciating intense hard work by intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies, the army chief said that terrorist networks and their linkages are being unearthed across the country and this nexus will be broken at all cost to bring enduring peace.