TIMERGARA -- The Pakistani army Tuesday (April 10) transferred security responsibilities to the civilian government in Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, for the first time in 10 years, Dawn reported.
Peace has been restored in Upper and Lower Dir districts, said officials during a ceremony marking the transfer in Balambat.
All checkpoints in Lower and Upper Dir have been handed over to the police, said Malakand General Officer Commanding (GOC) Maj. Gen. Ali Aamir Awan at the ceremony.
Security forces will remain in border areas and will co-operate with the civil administration, he added.
Troops went to Swat and Dir 10 years ago to combat militants who were challenging the authority of the government and bombing schools, hospitals and markets, said Awan.
A total of 470 soldiers, including officers, were killed during the military operation, according to Awan.
