While allocating Rs.1.25 billion for the additional displaced persons Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has directed the concerned agencies to evolve a comprehensive and well coordinated plan for the next phase of rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas.

He was chairing a meeting of Strategic Policy Committee on IDPs at the PM’s
House here Wednesday.

The Prime Minister also directed Ministry of Finance to release Rs.180 million for the Cash for Food Programme for 6000 dislocated families of Waziristan.

In Bajour and Mohmand agencies where the situation has become normal and peace has been restored, the Prime Minister further directed to initiate arrangements for the early return of displaced persons of the area.

Commending the hard work and ceaseless service of the provincial government and Special Support Group to the dislocated people, the Prime Minister said that after the successful military operation, the safe return of the displaced population has commenced and hoped that the process would be completed soon.

He said that more than 80% of these people were using their own transport to get back to their homes and the rest of them were transported through government arranged facilities.

The Prime Minister said the military operation has been a significant success which has not only been welcomed by the local population but has also been endorsed by the entire nation, political parties and the international community. We acknowledge the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army in re-establishing the writ of the state in the conflict zone and in elimination of extremist elements, he added.

The meeting was informed that around Rs. 5 billion has already been distributed amongst the affected families. The essential services have been restored in Shangla, Dir, Swat and Buner, it was informed.