Army provided 70% of ration distributed to IDPs: Brigadier Aftab
Around 70% of the ration distributed amongst the internally displaced persons (IDPs) was provided by the Pakistan Army, remarked Brigadier Aftab while addressing a media briefing in Bannu on Friday.
The commander of 475 Engineer Brigade said that 40,000 relief packages were given to IDPs from army's own ration. He added that each package weighed 110 kilogrammes (kg).
"The United Arab Emirates embassy has provided 50,000 packages so far with each package weighing 65kg which amounts to around 3,300 tonnes in total," revealed the brigadier.
Brig Aftab also stated that the World Food Programme (WFP) has provided 1,300 to 1,400 tonnes of ration up till now.
The brigadier said that according to their record, relief packages have been distributed to 44,605 out of the 44,633 registered families of IDPs so far and that the number will cross 45,000 today.
Brig Aftab further said that since the start of the distribution of ration on June 25, around 5,000 packages have been given out on average per day.
Distribution points
Speaking about the distribution points, Brigadier Aftab said the army has set up six distribution points of which three are in Bannu, two in Dera Ismail Khan and one in Lakki Marwat.
"The WFP has also set up five distribution points - four in Bannu and one in Dera Ismail Khan," he added.
He further stated that in addition to these points, a mobile distribution point has also been set up.
IDP camp Bakka Khel
Brig Aftab, while talking about a new IDP camp being established in Bakka Khel with the help of Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA), said that the camp will be complete in two to three weeks.
"Currently, tents for 500 families are available," he remarked, adding that there is a master plan to improve the camp.
He also revealed that rest areas, separate for men and women, were available at the camp.
"A mosque has also been built at the camp," said the brigadier.
A mobile medical treatment centre and mobile dental care centre have also been established at the camp, where doctors and lady health workers are available round the clock, Brig Aftab stated.
Speaking about future plans regarding the IDP camp, the brigadier said that there is a plan to build schools for children at the camp in addition to a vocational training centre for women and a technical skills learning centre for men.
He also said that electricity is available at the camp 24 hours a day.