DERA ISMAIL KHAN, July 18: The repatriation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Dera Ismail Khan and Tank to South Waziristan started here on Wednesday under the supervision of army and civil administration.

Brig. Mansoor Aziz told media persons on the occasion that 426 families comprising 1,659 individuals had returned to their areas from Dera Ismail Khan and Tank on Wednesday. He said that these people were given food, dry ration and shelter kit containing tents and household items.

Prior to repatriation, two centres were established for registration of these IDPs at Dera Ismail Khan and Tank.

Brig. Aziz said that around 1,500 families comprising 9,000 individuals would return to their homes. He said that in the previous four phases 8,177 families comprising 38,277 individuals had returned to their respective areas.

Immediately after return of the IDPs, development and welfare projects were initiated, which included establishment of educational institutions, renovation of hospitals, construction of markets, and poultry, fish and cattle farms.

On this occasion, Mehsud elders also requested the authorities for construction of schools, hospitals and  shopping centres in their areas.

KUNDI IN D.I. KHAN: National Assembly Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi has said that facilities would be provided to the district bar as part of efforts to resolve problems of legal fraternity.

He said this while addressing the district bar association here on Wednesday. He announced Rs200,000 for the district bar and said a transformer would be provided to resolve power supply problem on the premises.

The deputy speaker also invited lawyers to come to the federal capital and witness proceedings of the National Assembly.

He said that the PPP leadership, pursuing vision of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was taking great interest in development of underprivileged regions of the country. He said that solid steps were being taken for development of Dera Ismail Khan, especially in health and education sectors.

Mr Kundi hoped that his party would sweep coming general elections as a result of its landmark achievements for empowerment of people. District bar president Qaisar Khan Miankhel also spoke on the occasion.