Progress report: Waziristan IDPs to receive cash via SIMs from tomorrow

Prime minister briefed that over 44,000 families left North Waziristan.

ISLAMABAD: As many as 572,529 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been registered since the commencement of Operation Zarb-e-Azb on June 15, according to a detailed report presented to the prime minister on Sunday.

All organisations providing relief to the IDPs briefed the prime minister that a total of 44,633 families have left North Waziristan. As per the PM’s directives, each registered family will receive financial compensation via mobile SIMs from tomorrow (Tuesday). Beneficiaries can collect their money from mobile franchises, retailers and banks.

Additionally, a total of Rs329.568 million has been disbursed to 27,664 of these families and 4,500 tons of relief goods have been distributed by the government, with the assistance of the army and the World Food Programme, among 31,000 registered families.

The IDPs are handed 5,000 food packages daily via 11 food distribution points, while a statement from the PM House said non-edible items have been distributed among 31,000 families.

The PM was assured that an uninterrupted flow of electricity is being ensured in the IDP camps and temporary mosques have been built here.

Medical facilities and polio vaccinations have been made available at all camps, while a steady supply of drinking water has also been ensured.

The Pakistan Army has set up 33 points around the country to receive donations from the general public, and the finance ministry has released a total of Rs1.5 billion for the provision of relief to the IDPs. Meanwhile, the Economic Coordination Committee has approved the release of 60,000 tonnes of wheat, as a cost of Rs2.8 billion, for the displaced families.

Rescue 1122 has provided three state-of-the-art ambulances and necessary staff to assist in emergencies. Moreover, 15 mobile veterinary clinics have been established in Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Karak and Tank, where more than 20,000 animals belonging to the IDPs have been treated and more than 42,000 animals have been vaccinated.

The UAE government has also released $20.5 million for the IDPs on humanitarian grounds, while US has extended an assistance of $31 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2014.