IDPs fleeing fighting in NWA to be registered using biometric systems: Abdul Qadir Baloch

61,000 IDPs have arrived in settled areas so far with more expected over the next five to ten days.

ISLAMABAD: Minister for States and Frontier Region Abdul Qadir Baloch, who has been tasked by the prime minister to oversee issues relating to the internally displaced people (IDPs), said on Tuesday that all  IDPs will be registered using biometric systems.

Noting the sacrifices of the people of North Waziristan and that it was the government's duty to provide the necessary facilities to IDPs, Baloch said that so far 61,000 IDPs have migrated to the settled areas. This number is expected to increase in the coming five to ten days.

Baloch chaired a meeting Tuesday to coordinate relief activities with the Pakistan Army, National Disaster and Management Authority (NDMA) and Provincial Disaster and Management Authority (PDMA). The Ministry of Safron will act as coordinator to the relief operation.

The SAFRON minister tasked tje National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) for registration and verification of IDPs. Four registration centers at Bannu, Tank, Dera Ismail Khan and Laki Marwat have also been set up for the purpose.

The IDPs will be registered through biometric systems to ensure transparency and the government will provide all the basic necessities to the registered IDPs at camps including electricity, water and medical facilities.

Baloch has directed the immediate release of funds for relief activities and cash assistance will be given to displaced people.