ISLAMABAD Pakistan: President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari Monday said the entire focus of the government will now shift to the rehabilitation of displaced persons and rebuilding of the damaged infrastructure in Malakand Division.
He was addressing a select gathering of international donors, NGOs and civil society, who had contributed to the relief of the displaced person in and off camps and were especially invited to the Presidency to honor them for their efforts and contributions.
Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Federal Ministers, diplomats, senior government officials, representatives from donors, NGOs and civil society attended the function.
Briefing newsmen about the meeting, spokesperson former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President described it is an auspicious occasion as the formal return of the displaced persons back to their homes has started today.
The President said that the beginning of the return journey of the displaced person marked the beginning of the end of one phase; and the start of another.
President Zardari said that the issue of rehabilitation of displaced persons was a huge challenge before the nation which should be met through the collective effort of the people, the government and the international community.
Babar quoted the President as saying, “Perhaps never before the world witnessed such large scale displacement in such a short span of time. The fallout was enormous. The challenge was huge.”
The President appreciated the huge sacrifices made by the internally displaced persons.
“They were forced to leave their homes, businesses and workplaces. They underwent great hardships but they courageously endured it. Without their patience and endurance it would have been most difficult for us to pursue the fight against the militants,” the President said.
“I salute their courage and the sacrifices they have made,” he said.
“We resolve not to abandon our brothers and sisters in this hour of trial. We will take every possible step to help them resume normal life in their homes.”
He said that the government deeply appreciates the humanitarian assistance provided by the civil society and the international community.
The President said that “the problems of the IDPs are both short term and long term. In the short term our aim was to provide immediate relief and in the long term, we have to rehabilitate them in their homes and also rebuild and reconstruct the damaged infrastructure.”
The relief phase is phasing out but has not come to end and it will continue till the last family is relocated with dignity and honor, the President said.
The President urged the donors, the international community and members of civil society to keep this in mind and continue to extend humanitarian assistance to the IDPs.
“We have been emphasizing upon the world that rehabilitation of the IDPs is the most critical element of fight against militancy, the President said.
“We have asked them to come forward and play their role,” he added.
Pakistan expects the international community, the Friends of Democratic Pakistan to step forward, the President said.
“Help us in establishing peace, help us in fighting this cancer of militancy, otherwise the cancer will spread to other parts of world and no one will be safe,” he added.
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