Irrational distribution: IDPs in the city demand due rations

Urge an end to discrimination, say displaced people in other areas get food supplies.

PESHAWAR: Urging an end to discrimination, people displaced from North Waziristan held a demonstration outside Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday and demanded authorities provide them with their due rations.

The protesters, seeking temporary shelter in Peshawar, chanted slogans to press for their demands. They asked Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan to end the alleged discrimination as displaced people residing in Bannu and other southern districts were being provided the promised ration.

The IDPs told journalists they had to pay exorbitant rents for accommodation, adding such expenditures remain well beyond their financial means.

“We ask the governor to provide rations which were stopped for displaced people living in Peshawar,” said Nazirullah, a native of Eidak in North Waziristan. “I urge him not to compel us to protest or hold a sit-in outside Governor House.”  He added IDPs from the tribal agency, who left everything behind, lead miserable lives in the city.

Youth development

Pak-Khyber Youth Welfare Organisation Chairman Umair Jamal informed reporters during a news conference at Peshawar Press Club that his organisation, with the help of the K-P Directorate General of Sports and Youth Welfare, was launching the ‘Aghaz-e-Junoon’ volunteer training programme.

According to him, workshops will be held across the province to train students in first-aid administration, volunteering for emergencies, active citizenship and youth leadership. He said experts from civil defence and other fields will impart training and volunteers will be selected after passing a written test. He added the programme is set to commence from March 2 in the city.

Another programme called ‘Venture the Adventure’ includes a four-day tour of Kalam, Shogram, Malam Jabba and Chitral for 100 students in four groups. Jamal said the participants will train for camping, mountain climbing, skiing and nature exploration.

Jamal said a three-member committee would pick the students. He urged candidates from all divisions to participate in the programme.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25^th, 2015.