More should be done for IDPs

Experts in counter terrorism and regional affairs have pointed out the miserable conditions in which the Temporary Displaced Persons (TDPs) of Fata find themselves in today and have suggested that more should be done for these people on an urgent basis as they spend their second winter away from home.
In October 2015, the return of TDPs started simultaneously from five tribal agencies, including Khyber, South Waziristan, North Waziristan, Kurram and Orakzai agencies. According to the Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA), the phase-wise return of more than 300,000 TDP families of Fata to their areas of origin started from March 2015 and so far, by October 2015, around 99,115 TDPs registered and 44,631 unregistered families had returned.
It said a total of 143,746 families had gone back to their areas in different agencies. Also, at least around 2,000 families of the more than 90,000 families that were displaced have returned to North Waziristan. However, half of the total TDPsare unable to return to their homes for various reasons. The return of these TDPs has been divided into four phases and all are planned to be sent home by December 2016.
Pointing out at the huge success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, experts say the operation was much needed because the Fata areas had become a safe haven for terrorists and militants of all creeds and colour. “Now the world can’t point a finger at Pakistan’s Fata areas, especially North Waziristan, labeling it as a terrorist hideout,” said an analyst at a regional think tank. He said while the military operation has been greatly successful, it was time that the TDPs came into the broader picture, especially as the winter season had got underway.
According to reports, many of the displaced persons and their extended families living in camps are jobless. Also, the poor TDPs staying at the camps cannot send their children to proper schools. The rations provided at the camps have been slashed several times over the last year and as a result the families suffer. The expenses of these families would rise as they would require fuel to burn and proper clothing to face the harsh winter.
The analysts said that it was essential that the TDPs who were spending their second winter away from home should not suffer in the camps as the bitter northern winter enveloped them.