The repatriation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to North Waziristan has begun. This is a sensitive endeavour and needs to be handled with care. These people have already gone through a lot and now they must return to their homes with dignity and respect. The government has taken on a difficult task and we must now ensure that the IDP’s face no hurdles in their rehabilitation.
A caravan of 26 vehicles, carrying 219 IDP’s belonging to 62 families, left Bannu for Spin Wam and Shahmeri in North Waziristan on March 31, strict security arrangements were made on the Miramshah Road. This first phase will continue till April 24. Each family is given Rs 25,000 cash and Rs 10,000 as transportation expense. Also food rations and kits, containing other essential items have also been distributed. Children under five years of age were administered polio drops. All families are given health checkups as well. I pray that these families can now live in peace.
ZAHRAH KHAN,
Lahore, April 2.