BAJAUR: The authorities on Tuesday declared that most areas of Khar tehsil had been cleared of terrorists, and internally displaced persons would soon be allowed to return to their homes.

Deputy commissioner Shahid Ali Khan stated this during a meeting with a delegation of Bajaur Aman Jirga at his office.

The delegation led by jirga head Sahibzada Haroon Rashid and also comprising ANP MPA Mohammad Nisar Khan and Khar tehsil chairman Haji Said Badshah, apprised the deputy commissioner of the difficulties faced by people displaced by the army operation in several areas of Khar tehsil.

The delegates said the residents of Janat Shah, Lara Banda, Kosar, Godo, Shahgoo and other localities were facing difficulties since they were forced to live either with relatives or in rented houses.

They said the residents were finding it increasingly tough with winter setting in, making it difficult for them to continue staying away from home. The jirga members urged the deputy commissioner to officially announce IDPs’ return as their areas had already been declared clear of terrorists.

DC Khan assured the elders that the IDPs would start returning to their areas soon.

“We’re in touch with the authorities, and I’m assured that most affected areas will be cleared by tomorrow (Thursday), allowing residents to return to their villages,” he assured the delegation.

Mr Khan also assured the delegation of providing financial assistance to the affected families for their damaged homes.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Red Crescent Society on Tuesday gave away hygiene kits, mugs, buckets and dates to hundreds of IDP families.

The items were distributed among several hundred displaced families housed at government high school, Lowi Sam, and government higher secondary school, Bar Kholozo, said a statement. The statement added the initiative, aimed at improving hygiene practices, upholding dignity, and supporting vulnerable households with limited access to essential facilities, was implemented in line with the instructions of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governor and guidance of the chairman PRCS Merged Areas.

Through such humanitarian actions, PRCS continues its commitment to protecting health, reducing vulnerability, and strengthening the well-being of communities in need. According to the statement, a dates package, donated by King Salman Humanitarian and Relief Centre, was distributed to hundreds of displaced families in three areas of Khar and Mamund tehsils.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2025