Future of Idps

AN estimated two-thirds of the 2.7 million people displaced internally by the conflict between the army and the Taliban have returned to their hometowns. However, they are finding the odds still stacked against them. They have lost crops and livestock that constituted primary sources of income, while the conflict has also taken a heavy toll on roads, schools and hospitals. The plight of the returnees is underscored by the UN’s statement that it has so far received a mere three per cent of the $58m it needs to institute ‘early recovery projects’ in the region, such as food aid and the restoration of educational, healthcare and water-supply networks.



The global credit crunch is being blamed for the reluctance of donors to part with the urgently needed funds. No doubt, the worldwide recession has been severe. Nevertheless, donors must understand that the situation is grim: a survey in some militancy-hit areas reveals that 80 per cent believe they will not be able to survive for more than a fortnight without assistance.



Militancy in Pakistan is not an entirely homegrown or isolated issue. It is inextricably linked to international militancy, specifically the situation in Afghanistan. The plight of thousands of affected citizens should make rehabilitation work a priority for the international community. The fact that most IDPs seem to have made the choice to return reflects well on the efforts made by the government to repair the badly damaged civic and administrative infrastructure. Most importantly, the security situation has stabilised, giving many IDPs the confidence to return. Still more needs to be done and it is time the interna- tional community rewarded these citizens’ courage by donating generously to rehabilitation projects and thus lowering the possibility of further strife in the affected areas.