President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the federal government to properly look after the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). In a message from New York, the President expressed special concern over the displacement of people from Swat and Malakand Division in the wake of ongoing operation in the area and directed the government for their proper care.
President said that during his talks with the US leadership, he had taken up the issue of rehabilitation and safe return of the IDPs as well as the need for massive international help in this regard. He said that it was recognised and reflected in the supplementary budget of US for this year. The President said that he will continue his drive for garnering international support for the rehabilitation of IDPs, which he described as one of the top priority of his government.
The President said the government should utilise all resources for proper rehabilitation of IDPs, particularly the women and children. He said the government should also mobilise all the relevant institutions to provide necessary facilities to the IDPs, including the residential facilities. Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in his address to the nation had declared that the operation was inevitable to restore law and order, and ensure peace and security in the country, particularly in Swat and Malakand division.
The President referred to Prime Minister's announcement of the allocation of Rupees one billion for rehabilitation of IDPs, and said the government, if required, will provide further resources for this purpose. President Zardari also appreciated the country's armed forces for their courage in the war against terrorism and militancy.