Pakistani army operation goes on in Swat as IDPs return in full swing

ISLAMABAD-- Pakistan's security forces continued Wednesday the search and clearance operations in Swat and Malakand, while the pace of repatriation process of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the country's northwest is getting momentum.

According to a press release, the security forces killed 28 terrorists, including a most wanted terrorist leader of Peochar Abu Laith, while conducting operations in Swat. A terrorist commander Ismail, resident of village Goal Sakhra, voluntarily surrendered himself to security forces through local nazim.

The security forces, the statement said, continued relief activities, as 150,969 cash cards have been distributed amongst the IDPs of Malakand.

At least 677 vehicles carried 2,296 families and 122 trucks moved to Malakand and as many as 30 civil trucks were provided by security forces to civil fruit vendors for transportation of fruits from Khawazakhela of Swat.

Meanwhile, 181 more displaced families comprising 869 individuals left for their hometowns in Buner and Swat from two relief camps in Swabi under the government's arrangement.

The IDPs of Malakand have lauded the efforts of the government and the whole nation for support during their displacement.

The government has made tough security arrangements for the families during their moving from camps to their hometowns.

However, the affected people in Kund park protested against nonprovision of relief goods to them by the government. This camp is housing 6,500 affectees of Swat, Dir, Buner and Malakand.