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Gilani approves another Rs 1.25 billion for IDPs

* Prime minister directs agencies to evolve plan for IDPs’ rehabilitation, reconstruction of affected areas

Staff Report

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday approved another Rs 1.25 billion for the internally displaced persons and directed the agencies concerned to evolve a comprehensive and well-coordinated plan for the next phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction of conflict-affected areas.

“Since 50 percent of the displaced families have already returned to their native areas, it is imperative that they are provided full security, civil amenities and administrative support,” the PM observed while chairing a meeting of the Strategic Policy Committee on IDPs at the PM’s House.

Gilani also directed the Finance Ministry to release Rs 180 million for the Cash-for-Food Programme for 6,000 displaced families of Waziristan. He also directed the authorities concerned to make arrangements for the early return of the displaced persons of Bajaur and Mohmand tribal agencies, where the situation had become normal and peace had been restored. He said more than 80 percent of the displaced population was using their own means to return to their hometowns, while the government was facilitating the rest.

People had started returning to their native areas after the successful military operation, he said, adding that the process of their return would complete soon.

“We acknowledge the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army to re-establish the writ of the government in the conflict zones and eliminate the Taliban,” he added.

The meeting was informed that around Rs 5 billion had already been distributed among the affected families. Essential services had been restored in Shangla, Dir, Swat and Buner, it was informed.

NWFP Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani, Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hina Rabbani Khar, NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haidar Hoti and Commander 11 Crops Lt- Gen Masood Ahmed also attended the meeting.

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