We’re almost there
Finally there are hopes that all temporarily displaced persons (TDPs) would return to their respective tribal agencies by the end of 2016. Some of them like the TDPs from South Waziristan have been living in makeshift shelters in various places of the country since 2009. They have been making repeated demands that the government create conditions conducive for their return. The return has been delayed due to various factors like continuation of terrorist attacks in tribal areas and lack of funds for the reconstruction of the houses, business centres, roads and bridges destroyed during the operation.
Three international donors’ conferences held last year led to commitments which fell short of the government’s expectations of $753 million (Rs75.4 billion) for a return and rehabilitation programme. The government raised Rs40 billion taxes imposed in the annual budget for FY 2015-16 for spending on rehabilitation as well as continuation of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb. While visiting North Waziristan last month the COAS directed to ensure complete return of all TDPs by the end of 2016.
There are three issues that need to be resolved while sending back the TDPs. The terrorists who operated in the FATA region have been defeated but not entirely wiped out. Terrorist networks which have taken shelter across the Durand Line in Afghanistan due to the unsettled conditions in the neighbouring country continue to launch attacks whenever they discover a weak link in the security system. To ensure an end to these attacks Pakistan and Afghanistan have to act together to eliminate terrorists from both sides of the border. Second, those returning to their agencies have to be provided meaningful economic activities so that there is no opportunity for terrorists to create a foothold for themselves by exploiting the economic issue among the tribes. Third, a political setup with the help of elected representatives has to be put in place to ensure self governance and security. The sooner the tribal region is made a part of the national mainstream the better for the FATA people and the country at large.