DIR: All refugees who had been exiled or had themselves left due to the fear of the previous regime in Dir State have been permitted to return to their homes, the Nawab of Dir declared here yesterday. Dir’s Wazirazam was also present at the Press conference.

The Nawab said that those refugees and their descendants who had left the State more than 100 years ago and had settled down in other parts of the country and elsewhere have also been allowed to return. But properties, he said, which they claim as theirs, may not be returned as the documents of these properties are not found in the State’s records. Neither do claimants have any record in their possession in support of their claim. However, individual cases are being considered.

The Nawab disclosed that all restrictions on the entry of visitors and tourists have been removed. Any tourist can visit the State which is being developed into one of the finest tourist resorts in West Pakistan. Modern hotels and restaurants are being constructed to attract tourists.

The Wazirazam observed that Dir is extremely rich in minerals like manganese, soapstone and marble. Pakistan Geological Survey representatives have done extensive surveys and are still busy in searching other minerals but these cannot be exploited unless electricity is available and communications are developed speedily. —Peshawar Correspondent