Delay In Releasing Of Fund Hampering Relief Operation For IDPs
Muhammad Khurshid
June 05, 2009
The Government of Pakistan has so far been showing slackness in releasing fund, which is urgently required for the relief and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Malakand division and tribal areas. Provincial Relief Commissioner and Incharge of Emergency Response Unit (ERU) Muhammad Azam has suggested that the government should divert all its financial resources to help and rehabilitate IDPs of Malakand Division and tribal areas where the army has been conducting a big operation against the miscreants.
"If immediate help is not provided to the IDPs then there is possibility of another great human tragedy," said ERU Incharge Muhammad Azam Khan while talking to a private TV channel.
He said that the people of Malakand division have given sacrifice for the state as they have vacated their houses to make army operation against miscreants easier and more effective so now this is the responsibility of the state to provide them all-out help. "The federal government should show speed in releasing fund for providing relief to the IDPs," he added.
Muhammad Azam said the quantum of IDPs´s influx required massive resources, therefore, the federal government should release appropriate funds to handle the process urgently.
He said the uplift of IDPs would not only enable them to make a positive contribution to the development of the country, but also help in ensuring that the militants do not exploit the vulnerability of the displaced population.
According to a newspaper comment, during his visit to Pakistan, the US special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan has made it a point to focus on the IDP issue and steer largely clear of other matters. The focus on the crisis is apt given the scale of the humanitarian calamity and its immense impact on the lives of millions. International agencies, which have been putting out appeals for more funds, have said they urgently need more resources. Holbrooke's assurance that President Obama is seeking another US $200 million to add to the assistance already extended to Pakistan will naturally be well received. Pakistan continues to seek all the help it can get to alleviate the plight of displaced persons. It will indeed need much more in the future as the time comes to rebuild regions torn apart by conflict. The US call for more world aid for Pakistan signals recognition that long-term support will be required and may need to be sustained for years to support Swat and other areas affected by the fighting.
But Mr Holbrooke, in a talk with a correspondent from this newspaper, indicated other, tougher issues were also brought up during his dialogue with President Zardari and other officials. The issue of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed's release and the 17th Amendment both formed a part of these discussions. It is then clear that the US intends to pursue a rather familiar carrot and stick strategy. It is willing to help Pakistan gain access to the funds it desperately requires, but at the same time it is determined also to press ahead with other agendas. These include an all-out effort against terror and action against groups such as the Jamaatud Dawa, but also a stable, less acrimonious political environment.
Islamabad at present holds some powerful cards in its own hands. At this moment it can redefine its relationship with the US, aiming to create one that is more equitable. There is no harm in going along with parts of the US agenda that suit our own interests. Both an end to the 17th Amendment and tackling terrorist outfits would seem to fall in line with this. But where the US seems to ready to intervene in our affairs, there is a need to adopt a tougher approach and make it clear that what we seek is a relationship based on cooperation and not one where dictation is the key word.
The End
"If immediate help is not provided to the IDPs then there is possibility of another great human tragedy," said ERU Incharge Muhammad Azam Khan while talking to a private TV channel.
He said that the people of Malakand division have given sacrifice for the state as they have vacated their houses to make army operation against miscreants easier and more effective so now this is the responsibility of the state to provide them all-out help. "The federal government should show speed in releasing fund for providing relief to the IDPs," he added.
Muhammad Azam said the quantum of IDPs´s influx required massive resources, therefore, the federal government should release appropriate funds to handle the process urgently.
He said the uplift of IDPs would not only enable them to make a positive contribution to the development of the country, but also help in ensuring that the militants do not exploit the vulnerability of the displaced population.
According to a newspaper comment, during his visit to Pakistan, the US special envoy for Pakistan and Afghanistan has made it a point to focus on the IDP issue and steer largely clear of other matters. The focus on the crisis is apt given the scale of the humanitarian calamity and its immense impact on the lives of millions. International agencies, which have been putting out appeals for more funds, have said they urgently need more resources. Holbrooke's assurance that President Obama is seeking another US $200 million to add to the assistance already extended to Pakistan will naturally be well received. Pakistan continues to seek all the help it can get to alleviate the plight of displaced persons. It will indeed need much more in the future as the time comes to rebuild regions torn apart by conflict. The US call for more world aid for Pakistan signals recognition that long-term support will be required and may need to be sustained for years to support Swat and other areas affected by the fighting.
But Mr Holbrooke, in a talk with a correspondent from this newspaper, indicated other, tougher issues were also brought up during his dialogue with President Zardari and other officials. The issue of Hafiz Muhammad Saeed's release and the 17th Amendment both formed a part of these discussions. It is then clear that the US intends to pursue a rather familiar carrot and stick strategy. It is willing to help Pakistan gain access to the funds it desperately requires, but at the same time it is determined also to press ahead with other agendas. These include an all-out effort against terror and action against groups such as the Jamaatud Dawa, but also a stable, less acrimonious political environment.
Islamabad at present holds some powerful cards in its own hands. At this moment it can redefine its relationship with the US, aiming to create one that is more equitable. There is no harm in going along with parts of the US agenda that suit our own interests. Both an end to the 17th Amendment and tackling terrorist outfits would seem to fall in line with this. But where the US seems to ready to intervene in our affairs, there is a need to adopt a tougher approach and make it clear that what we seek is a relationship based on cooperation and not one where dictation is the key word.
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