PESHAWAR: The federal government is planning to repatriate internally displaced persons (IDP) from Khyber Agency back to their homes, said Governor Sardar Mehtab Abbasi.
According to a handout issued on Friday, the governor said 6,000 affected families from Bar Qambar Khel in Bara will be repatriated in phases from September 23, whereas 11,265 affected families have already returned to their homes.
The governor, who was visiting the FATA Secretariat on Friday, said the government was determined to ensure prosperity in the tribal areas and bring them at par with developed areas in the country. Mehtab issued directives to all departments to play an urgent role in rehabilitating affected families of Khyber Agency on a priority basis.
He urged the FATA Secretariat to make correct assessments of losses incurred by the IDPs and help them stand on their feet again. Mehtab warned the political administration not to adopt a non-serious attitude to the plight of IDPs and to ensure they receive maximum support and assistance.
“The government acknowledges sacrifices made by the IDPs for their country,” he said. “We are not oblivious to their plight and will not abandon them during hard times.”
The handout added resources were being utilised for the complete rehabilitation of families affected by the military offensive in North Waziristan. The governor said with the active support of the army, peace would be restored in the tribal areas.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 20th, 2014.
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