Returning to Orakzai: Facing the challenges

Return of IDPs to Orakzai Agency enters its third phase in which a total of 15,000 families will be repatriated.

PESHAWAR: The return of the internally-displaced people (IDPs) to the troubled Orakzai Agency has entered into its third phase in which a total of 15,000 families will be repatriated. The lower Orakzai-bound IDPs from Kohat and Hangu — majority of them belonging to Mishti and Sheikhan tribes — will be shifted to their respective areas of Mishti, Mishtimelma, Tira Sheikhan and Sangara Sheikhan. Once this phase is complete, 65 per cent of IDPs will be back in their homes.

According to official estimates, 8,000 families were sent back to their homes during the previous two phases. The remaining 35 per cent IDPs, majority of whom belong to upper Orakzai Agency, will have to wait till further orders.

To facilitate the returning IDPs, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is providing them transportation with the help of the Fata Development Management Authority (FDMA). The World Food Programme (WFP) is providing them with food stock for one month at the embossing points in Hangu and Kohat. The IDPs are registered at entry points to the area where Pakistan Army has established eight registration booths at Chingana point.

The returning IDPs have a tough time ahead of them as the Orakzai Agency lacks basic facilities. Majority of the houses of the IDPs, the communication infrastructure, along with majority of schools and colleges have been destroyed by the Taliban. There are few health facilities available to cater to the needs of the locals. “The Taliban destroyed most of the drinking water facilities, now we don’t even have clean water to drink,” said Haleem Gul, who recently came back to Peshawar after visiting his home in Orakzai.

Agriculture that has been the backbone of tribal economy has been badly affected, partly by the military operations and partly by the devastating floods. The markets remain empty and people are finding it hard to get daily use items.

The winter in Orakzai Agency is at its peak and the people are trying hard to cope with the freezing cold. However the pledged non-food items (NFIs) by UNHCR — including tents and blankets — are yet to be distributed to the IDPs. According to UNHCR, NFIs will be provided only to the most vulnerable people, which include women and children.

The government has announced a package of Rs25,000 for each returning family but the mechanism for delivery of the amount is yet to be finalised. Due to the past experience, the people doubt that they will get the announced package by the government.

“The government needs to address grievances of the people of Orakzai Agency on a priority basis, else things may go wrong once again,” warned Mansur Khan Mahsud, director research at Fata Research Centre in Islamabad.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2010.