Donors have pledged $224 million for immediate relief and rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs) of Swat whereas preliminary estimates suggest Pakistan would need over $1 billion for their resettlement.
Speaking at the news conference, after the donors' conference chaired by the Prime Minister Syed Yoisaf Raza Gilani, Minister of State for Finance Hina Rabbani Khar said UN would launch 'Flash Appeal' and pledges are expected to increase to $500 to $600 million for the IDPs.
To a question about how much contribution was made by the Muslim Countries, she said they have entirely different modus operandi and would pledge on bilateral level for which President was already in touch with them. The conference attended by 40 countries was given detailed briefing about what was immediately required to alleviate the plight of IDPs. To another question, the Minister said preliminary estimates showed that Pakistan would be requiring over $1 billion for reconstruction and rehabilitation of IDPs and this cost could even rise.
Giving details of the pledges made during the conference, she said US would provide $110 million, Japan $43.35 million, UK $18.54 million, France $16.32 million and Germany pledged $17.6 million. Canada, Denmark and Norway pledged $4.32 million, one million and $2.95 million, respectively for the IDPs whereas EU pledged $9.526 million. United Nations (UN) will launch a formal appeal on Friday in a bid to raise $500 to 600 million for the IDPs.
She said that donors have assured to provide full support to Pakistan in all the three phases from providing relief to reconstruction and rehabilitation of IDPs. The amount pledged would be utilised for relief and reconstruction activities under the umbrella of United Nations. She said that the response of the donors was very positive to deal with the humanitarian crisis. The donors gave positive response to the three pronged strategy for relief, return and rehabilitation.
Earlier, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani sought donors help for rehabilitating the IDPs, apprised them about efforts made so far as well as about government three pronged strategy to provide immediate relief and their permanent settlement. Gilani said Pakistan was grappling with the menace of terrorism and launched a multi pronged action in Swat and adjoining areas to eradicate it from its roots.
The government was aware of the fact that the recent influx of IDPs has led to a manifold increase in the magnitude of the crisis and wanted the help of world community in dealing with the problem. Prior to the on-going Swat military operation, he said the crisis of IDPs was manageable and was being looked after by the NWFP government, he added.
"Prime Minister's Special Fund for Relief of Victims of Terrorism" was set up to receive donations from both domestic and international donors, over Rs 2 billion was provided to the NWFP government for immediate support to the IDPs. Apprising them about Pakistan's strategy for the IDPs, the Prime Minister said it was based on three phases including Relief, Return, and Rehabilitation & Reconstruction.
The UN would lead the relief phase, in consultation with the NWFP government, and would also make a 'UN Flash Appeal' in consultation with all stakeholders. However, it should be our effort that the relief phase should be as short as possible. For the Rehabilitation & Reconstruction phase, the World Bank is preparing to undertake a Post Conflict Needs Assessment Study. This is a time-consuming exercise and the results shall be shared with the donor community in due course of time.
The Prime Minister said given the magnitude of the task that lies ahead, Pakistan would like to seek the support from the donor community, both for the ongoing relief efforts and for the rebuilding process. Pakistan is looking forward to a positive and visible response from the international community in this regard and reiterates its resolve to root out militancy from its soil.
Comments
Comments are closed.