# Dir campaign

Dir campaign refers to a conflict that took place in Dir state, originally an insurrection by locals against the rule of Nawab Jahan Khan that lead to the death of 200 soldiers of Nawab and unknown number of locals. This insurrection antagonized Pakistani government and it tried to negotiate the resignation of Nawab but no settlement was reached. This was followed by an invasion of the state by Pakistani SSG and overthrow of Nawab. It was the first deployment of SSG in a conflict.

## Background

On 8 Feb 1948, Dir acceded to the newly created Muslim dominion of Pakistan, initially continuing as one of the surviving princely states of Pakistan. The politics of the late Nawabs are described as reactionary and harsh.

## State violence and underdevelopment

It was reported by Fosco Maraini in 1959 during an expedition towards Hindu-Kush, reported the opinion of the people that the Nawab Jahan Khan (who was about 64 years old at that time) was a tyrannical leader, denying his subjects any freedom of speech and instruction, governing the land with a number of henchmen, and seizing for his harem any girl or woman he wanted. Maraini also noticed the lack of schools, sewers, and paved roads, and the presence of just a rudimentary newly built hospital. The Nawab was negatively compared to the Wali of Swat, whose liberal politics allowed his state to enter into the modern era.

## Civilian uprising

As a consequence, uprisings began eventually to explode. A repressed revolt in 1959 was reported by Maraini's. Another insurrection in 1960 led to the death of 200 soldiers and put the Nawab in a bad light in the view of the press. Pakistani government put heavy pressure on the Nawab Jahan Khan to resign but no diplomatic success was reached.

## Afghan infiltration

In September 1960, Afghan tribesmen and some regular troops under civilian cover entered the area of Dir as part of the wider Bajaur Campaign to help Nawab Jahan khan against the Pakistan -backed opposition. The Afghan lashkars were forced to withdraw and this proved to be the casus belli for the Pakistani government to launch the operation for the overthrow of Nawab.

## Pakistan military operation

In October 1960, Two companies of the SSG covertly in Scouts uniform launched an operation to overthrow the Nawab Jahan Khan and his son Khan of Jandool.
First SSG company operated from Chitral under the command of Mirza Aslam Beg Commanded SSG alongside Shariff Force commanded by Brig M. Shariff. They launched an assault on the town of Dir with the aim of overthinking Nawab Jahan Khan. Maj. Nishat Ahmed, Capt. S.M. Naeem and Lt. Fakhre Alam also participated in this operation. The overthrow was bloodless.
The second SSG company, commanded by Maj. Aslam Beg, operated in the area of Munda Killa alongside Rakhman Gul Force . Its aim was to capture Khan of Jandool. Lt Col. A O Mitha were part of this company. They transported the Nawab and his son in to Risalpur via air.
All the weapons of nawab were confiscated and constitutional government was established. Nawab shah Khesrao khan was recognised as the Nawab of Dir. The SSG personnel remained in the area for a month.

## Exile of Nawab

General Yahya decided to exile Jahan Khan, who would die in 1968. His throne passed in October 1961 to his eldest son, Mohammad Shah Khosru Khan, educated in India and a serving Major General of the Pakistan Army. However, the effective rule of Dir was taken by the Pakistani government's Political Agent.

## Aftermath

A few years later, on 28 July 1969, the Dir state was incorporated into Pakistan, ceasing its political existence. The royal status of the Nawabs was abolished in 1972, at the same time as most other princes of Pakistan.