The Government of Japan has decided to extend financial support of $187,798 (Rs 15.25 million approx.) to the "Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS)", a non-governmental organisation, under the "Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects" for the project for Supporting the Rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Swat.
The agreement for the project was signed between Chihiro Atsumi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan and Muhammad Ilyas Khan, Secretary General, PRCS, here at the Japanese Ambassador's residence on Friday The grant will be utilised for the rehabilitation of IDPs in Swat, NWFP. The grant will be disbursed to four different localities of Mingora, Kanju, Bandai, and Malakand in Swat District.
A food package consisting of essential utilities of daily usage (Wheat flour, rice, beans, oil, sugar, tea, salt and hygiene kit including soap, toothpaste, brush, etc) will be distributed once a month in the project area during the period from January, 2010 to March, 2010. It is expected that three month's continuous support will provide some relief to the IDPs and would enable them to start their earnings on their own.
This project is expected to benefit about 600 IDP families (4,500 individuals) by providing each family a food package worth around Rs 24,000 in three equal instalments within three months. It is hoped that Japan's grant to support and rehabilitate the IDPs would contribute for the stability of the localities concerned.
At the signing ceremony, Chihiro Atsumi said that the issue of IDPs is of great concern and needs proper attention, and that this project would help improve the living conditions of the IDPs in Swat District. He added that it would lead to further strengthening the existing friendly relations between the people of Japan and that of Pakistan. The Ambassador also appreciated the volunteer activities of PRCS at the time of emergencies.-PR