The government is initially aiding the return of nearly 280,000 refugees staying in makeshift camps.

Though the process is picking up pace, some people have refused to return home because of security fears and non-payment of compensation.

But many who were living with relatives or in rented accommodation are voluntarily returning to areas taken by the security forces.

Elsewhere in Pakistan's restive northwestern region, two security personnel were killed and five others wounded when their vehicle was attacked in the town of Bannu Wednesday.

The joint patrol of police and paramilitary soldiers was hit by a remote-controlled bomb planted by the roadside.

Bannu borders the North Waziristan tribal district, a known sanctuary of Al Qaeda and Taliban fighters. It has seen numerous militant attacks on government forces in recent months.