By Sajjad Shaukat
On June 10, this year, while
showing the progress of the military operation Zarb-e-Azb, Chief of Army Staff,
Gen. Raheel Sharif said, “Terrorists have been cleared from their strongholds
in North Waziristan Agency and Khyber Agency, and fight now is moving into last
few pockets close to Afghan border.” He laid emphasis on “continuation of the
operations till elimination of the last expected and probable terrorists groups
and sanctuaries.” Since June 15, 2014, the jets of Pakistan Air Force have bombed
militants’ hideouts in North Waziristan Agency, and killed thousands of
insurgents including foreign militants, while Pakistan Army has killed several
terrorists through ground offensive and many of them surrendered before the
Army. Thus, these forces destroyed their strongholds, demolishing tunnels and
factories producing IED (Explosives), while drying the sources of their funds
and sinking their public support. Pakistan’s Armed Forces have broken the
backbone of the militants and their network.
However, the operation
Zarb-e-Azb in tribal areas is nearing its completion, witnessing huge successes
of Pakistan Army which has offered commendable sacrifices and cleared the area
off terrorists. Except some occasional blow, the faces of tribal people are
gleaming with resolve, determination and commitment to weed out terrorists from
their homeland. Undoubtedly, the ferocious fighting by the sons of soil to
liberate people of families of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)
from the terrorists, resulted in one of the biggest internal displacement in
the history of Pakistan. It has caused huge socio-politico-economic and security
implications for the brave people of tribal areas. These people faced the
hardships of displacement, and their plight was aired by various media
segments. Opinion makers felt the pain and strived to sensitize the government
and public regarding their socio-economic responsibilities to look after their
basic human needs.
Since the military
operations of 2008, there has been frequent dislocation of populations from seven
agencies of FATA. Some persons were fleeing due to the threats and attacks by
the terrorists, but most of them left the areas for their own safety, prior to
military operations to free FATA and Pakistan from the militants. They made
their temporary homes in camps, made for the Internally Displaced Persons
(IDPs), with host families, or in hired accommodation in places like Tank, DI
Khan, Bannu and Peshawar. Many of them have since long returned home following
stabilization of their areas, but residual caseloads remained in 2014, and the
number increased. The latest wave of dislocation from North Waziristan Agency
brought the total FATA-displaced-population up to around 2 million people. This
is a massive dislocation of persons for any country to handle. Assisting them
during displacement has required substantial funding and initiatives to ensure
their shelter and other needs, which have been fulfilled. As stability and
peace is restored in FATA, Pakistan Army is working with the government and other
stakeholders to facilitate the return of the IDPs, and the reconstruction and
rehabilitation of the affected regions. Gen. Raheel Sharif has repeatedly
stated that the top priority is the early and dignified return of the IDPs, and
he has instructed all concerned officials to prepare for their phased return. In
this regard, the Pakistan Government has issued directions to the related
ministries and departments to finalize the plans regarding funds, the returns
of the IDPs, reconstruction and rehabilitation of FATA.
While, it is not enough for
the rehabilitation of the massive populations of the tribal areas, which require
huge funds, as now, it is the turn of the tribal people to celebrate their
return to their areas. But, destroyed villages, shattered houses and ruined
markets can not be welcoming sites. Where they will dwell and from where they
will draw the livelihood for their families? Who is responsible for their
rehabilitation? Have any efforts been made to raise funds? These are some of
the questions haunting the minds of everyone. Time is ticking fast; Government
of Pakistan, people and international community have to rise to the challenge
before it is too late. It is every ones responsibility to contribute towards
their quickest possible rehabilitation, so that they consider themselves part
of the society. Any negligence at this stage would not only generate despondency
among the tribal people of FATA, but would leave space for the militancy to re-surface.
Although, Pak Army has ever
conducted a large-scale reconstruction and rehabilitation programme in FATA,
yet it is not easy to resettle 2 million people. It requires detailed and insightful
planning, political will, extensive and complex coordination and logistics, and
substantial funding to support the initiatives to help families rebuild their
homes, restock their livestock, plant crops, restart their livelihoods and to
mend the fragile economy of this extremely disadvantaged region. War against
terrorism will remain incomplete, unless all segments of society and
politicians try to win the hearts and minds of the tribal people by keeping in
minds various requirements and steps which are essential for the rehabilitation
of FATA. Firstly, the vision of a peaceful, prosperous and developed FATA is
necessary to foil future plans of the terrorists. Secondly, whole nation,
particularly the political leadership should come forward to provide financial
resources for rehabilitation. Thirdly, education for everyone and grass root
level involvement of the people in socio-political activities may be
ensured/planned. Fourthly, efforts at all levels may be undertaken to
re-construct physical structures, maintain law and order, activate economy and
inculcate cohesion to ensure sustainable rehabilitation of people of FATA. Fifthly,
instead of portraying negative aspects of rehabilitation, media should come
forward to arrange shows for fund-raising and proposing viable solutions for
the issues prevailing in FATA.
Nevertheless, rehabilitation
of FATA is still a bigger challenge. Therefore, just like the unity, shown by
the whole nation during war against terrorism by supporting the Zarb-e-Azb,
needs to display the same unity through practical assistance in rehabilitation
of the tribal areas. Let us celebrate the forthcoming 14th August 2015 with
national commitment to endeavour for rehabilitation of FATA people.
Sajjad Shaukat writes on
international affairs and is author of the book: US vs Islamic Militants, Invisible
Balance of Power: Dangerous Shift in International Relations
Email:
sajjad_logic@yahoo.com
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