BAJAUR: The authorities on Friday allowed the residents to return to the Tarkhoo area of the restive Lowi Mamund tehsil of Bajaur as it had been cleared of terrorists.

“We are pleased to announce that by the grace of Allah, the security forces have successfully cleared the Tarkhoo area of Lowi Mamund tehsil of terrorists, bringing the situation back to normal and restoring a complete writ of the state in the locality,” stated a notification posted on the deputy commissioner’s official Facebook page late Thursday night.

It said residents of the Tarkhoo area, who were displaced due to the presence of terrorists, can now return to their homes with their personal belongings for a peaceful life, under the state’s complete security.

The notification, seen by Dawn, stated that the return of affected residents of other areas of the region would also be launched gradually, subject to the clearance of their respective localities.

The district administration greatly admired the patience, tolerance, and sacrifices of the people in all the affected areas and committed to their safe and dignified return to their homes at the earliest, the notification concluded.

Assistant commissioner Dr Sadiq Ali said 7,984 displaced residents of Tarkhoo had received a financial package of Rs75,000 per family, along with other essential goods, both edible and non-edible, for their return back to their homes.

Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2025