Gilani asks US, West to do more for IDPs

LAHORE (APP) - Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has urged the international community especially the United States and the West to 'do more for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) of Pakistan.
Talking to this news agency here on Sunday, he appealed to all the people of Pakistan and the whole world to generously assist the IDPs. Though the Swat operation was Pakistans own war, the whole world would be its ultimate eneficiary, he said.
The PM said that people of Swat, Dir, Malakand and other tribal areas have been compelled to leave behind their belongings and businesses because of subversive activities of extremists, anti-state and anti-Islam forces.
He said that in the past the international community had alleged that certain institutions were not cooperating with the government. He said in fact entire nation and all institutions were united in the operation being taken against the extremists and the terrorists.
He expressed satisfaction over performance of the Army and said, we are proud of our armed forces and jawans, who have laid down their lives during Swat operation to purge the valley of terrorists and extremists.
He hoped for early end to Swat operation and rehabilitation of the IDPs.
To a question, he said the displaced people could go to any place in Pakistan, however, the government was ensuring their registration so that they could be conveniently rehabilitated in their original places.
He said only 20 per cent of the IDPs are being housed in camps, while the 80 per cent are living with the relatives at safer places.
Speaking about his visit to IDPs camps, the Prime Minister said that power connections were being provided with great caution to every camp in order to avoid short-circuiting or any other mishap. I have also ordered for provision of generators to ensure smooth power supply to the IDPs camps, he added.
He said the IDPs were in need of desert coolers, watercoolers, fans, cotton clothes, slippers, mosquito repellent oil, net and coil, drinking water, milk, biscuits and other items, which could provide instant relief.
He appealed to the masses to donate relief items for the IDPs through Relief Commissioners or other concerned authorities.
The Prime Minister said that he had ordered for providing salaries to government employees, who have been internally-displaced. Steps would also be taken to enable the IDPs who own bank accounts in their respective areas, have access to the facility at their temporary residences.
He said NEVTEC had been directed to provide vocational training to internally-displaced youth. He said cleanliness would be ensured in the camps of the IDPs.