Jirga urges Mohmand IDPs to return

Locals are reluctant to return as region lacks basic facilities

PESHAWAR: The political administration of Mohmand Agency has urged internally displaced persons (IDP) to return to the tribal belt.  This appeal was made during a jirga held in the city on Monday evening that went well into the night. It was attended by MNA Bilal Rehman, Mohmand Political Agent (PA) Waqar Ali Khan, and elders from various tribes.

Speaking on the occasion, MNA Bilal Rehman said the federal government has allocated Rs900 million for development in Baizai subdivision.  It has also established a subdivision headquarters. He urged the residents of Mohmand, who are currently living in Peshawar and other parts of Pakistan, to return to their homes.



“I urge them to ask their friends and relatives who are affiliated with the medical profession to serve the tribespeople of Mohmand Agency as there is a shortage of doctors in the region,” he said. “The government is willing to double the salary of those doctors who are willing to work in Mohmand Agency.”

The PA said levies officials and khasadar forces in Baizai subdivision have been recruited to ensure peace and stability in the region. “Up to Rs900 million will be spent to restore damaged infrastructure,” he added. “Schools and hospitals will be established as well. However, tribespeople should return to their native land and work towards ensuring development in  the region.”

However, a large number of residents are reluctant to return to Mohmand. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Malik Muhammad Saeed, who hails from the agency but currently resides in Peshawar, said no one is willing to return home as there is a dearth of basic facilities. “Once the basic infrastructure is developed, locals will return to the region,” he added.  Malik Jehanzeb Khan, another local, said, “The government is pressing IDPs to return to Mohmand. But how can they come back to destroyed homes?” The IDPs should be compensated for their losses, he added.

Possible relief

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mohmand PA assured peace has been restored in the region. “We have contacted FATA Disaster Management Authority to reconstruct the damaged homes,” he said. “We are hopeful FDMA will rebuild the houses and people will return to Mohmand soon.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 7^th, 2015.