My People

[ajpirzada]

People gather around their belongings waiting to return home.


Displaced peoples look from a roadside as small number of refugee start returning to their villages and towns.


A family double checks their belongings before their journey returning home


Niela, a two-year-old internally displaced girl from Swat, rests her head against a brick oven outside their family tent at the UNHCR Yar Hussain – Reuters.

---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:56 PM ----------

all pics are taken from Dawn.com

 

[ajpirzada]

Displaced families being transported back to Swat
Monday, 13 Jul, 2009 | 02:45 PM PST |

JALOZAI CAMP: Pakistan Monday began bussing home only a limited number of the nearly two million people displaced in its assault on the Taliban with families fearful that peace is not guaranteed.

Pakistani offensives against militants in the northwest forced 1.9 million people to flee their homes since last year — the vast majority seeking refugee with relatives and schools, and the rest packed into sweltering camps.

Pakistan said last week the military had ‘eliminated’ extremists in and around the Swat valley.

The government laid on buses and trucks to return displaced families Monday — the first day of large-scale organised returns — but AFP correspondents saw just over 200 people board vehicles heading back into the mountains of Swat.

At Jazolai, where about 4,000 families have been seeking refuge in a camp near the town of Nowshera, 50-year-old Shireenzada said he was still unsure whether peace had returned to his home town of Barikot in Swat.

‘I'm going back home voluntarily and nobody forced me to leave this camp. Life in my sweet home will be much better than the life in the camp.’

‘But I'm really uncertain and don't know if peace has actually returned to my area,’ he told AFP as he and 10 of his relatives boarded a bus.

Pakistan launched the offensive in the northwest districts of Buner, Lower Dir and Swat after armed militants advanced to within 100 kilometres of Islamabad last April in defiance of a peace deal.

Pakistan says more than 1,700 militants were killed in the offensive, but official death tolls are impossible to confirm independently and many suspect that Taliban simply melted away into the mountains as after past operations.

The government says it has worked hard to restore electricity and running water in the main urban hubs since the fighting, but analysts warn that much needs to be done to sustain the returnees.

‘They will start living a normal life if the environment is secure and their fundamental needs are addressed. Secure environment means army, police and civil administration,’ said independent analyst Imtiaz Gul.

AFP reporters said they saw just over 200 people leaving Jalozai and a nearby camp in Charsadda, but a spokesman for the government-run unit denied the process was slow, saying it was expected to gain momentum in coming days.

Khurshid Ali Khan, a retired civil servant from Barikot, said he was confident that life back home had to be better than in Charsadda.

‘It is too hot here at the camp. I'm returning home willingly. There should be peace and calm in Swat. Two days ago I called my neighbour who said it was very safe, there is electricity and telephone lines are back up,’ he said.

Khan hauled his family, four mattresses, a fan, a washing machine and some food into the bus, saying he had been given 25,000 rupees from the government in financial assistance.

Dozens of displaced people blocked the road outside Charsadda camp slamming the government for not handing out the bank cards on which they can draw the 25,000 rupee stipend.

They vowed not to go home until they were given money to rebuild their livelihoods with crops destroyed and the local economy in decline since the Taliban rose up in 2007 to enforce sharia law in Swat.

‘Until I get financial assistance, I will stay at the camp,’ said Fazal Maula, a 43-year-old man with a nine-member family from Swat.

Shamsher Ali, 55-year-old shopkeeper also said he was worried after previous military operations failed to crush the Taliban.

‘The army promised us twice before that they cleared the area, but then Taliban came again and again to Swat. Perhaps this time the Taliban will come again to Swat,’ he said.

DAWN.COM | Pakistan | Displaced families being transported back to Swat

 

[ajpirzada]

665 families repatriated to Swat, Buner
Updated at: 0035 PST, Tuesday, July 14, 2009
665 families repatriated to Swat, Buner PESHAWAR: In the first phase of IDPs repatriation convoys consisting of 665 families reached Swat and Buner under strict security, earlier 149 families from Jelozai camp and 31 families from Charsadda left Landakai area of Swat for Barikot under strict security.

In-charge Jelozai camp Tahir Orakzai told Geo News that 733 people of 149 families set off for Barikot from Landakai area on the first day of the repatriation process.

The convoy was led and followed by security forces’ vehicles while aerial surveillance through helicopter was also undertaken.

There was a complete curfew on the routes of the IDPs convoys.

In Charsadda In-charge of Palosa camp Zaigham Khan told Geo news that 31 families comprising 160 individuals were sent home to Swat.

Prior to departure, IDPs staged a protest for not receiving cash and refused to return home. However, they later agreed after negotiations.

According to emergency relief unit on the first day of IDPs’ repatriation, 665 families reached Swat and Buner under strict security.

665 families repatriated to Swat, Buner - GEO.tv

 

[ajpirzada]

 

[Patriot]

I am very very happy to see people returning homes.I hope people can live peacefully now..Hopefully Army will stay their for some time to ensure stability.
Good Job Ajpirzada.Keep updating this thread.

 

[ajpirzada]

104 families returned to Buner, Swat from Swabi
Updated at: 1746 PST, Tuesday, July 14, 2009
SWABI: About 480 displaced persons from 104 families have returned to their homes in Buner and Swat districts from camps set up in Swabi district here on Tuesday.

According to an official, about 700 families have left for their homes from Swabi district on the first day of the repatriation of IDPs on Monday.

A number of families were left behind due to delay in payment of Rs. 25,000 and food items to them, adds the official.

Giving the break up of the figures, the official said that 280 persons (64 families) left for their homes from Shah Mansoor Relief Camp and 200 persons (40 families) left for Barikot (Swat). The caravan of displaced persons left at around 2:00 p.m.

The provincial government had made arrangements for buses and trucks while the district government made arrangements for providing facilities to the IDPs at the centers from where they have to start their journey.
104 families returned to Buner, Swat from Swabi - GEO.tv


Government program sending uprooted Pakistanis back home
"Returnees told UNHCR that they felt safe going back to their villages after contacting neighbors who had already safely returned on their own. Returnees mentioned the unbearable heat in the camp as one of their main reasons they registered to go back. They said many of their children fell sick and contracted skin diseases because of the heat," the U.N. agency said

"Others said they wanted assurances that basic services and food would be available upon their return, while others, whose homes were destroyed during the conflict, worried about accommodation. Vulnerable displaced people, including pregnant women, indicated they would rather remain in camps for the time being because they have ready access to health services -- something not always available in their villages," the agency said.
Government program sending uprooted Pakistanis back home - CNN.com

 

[ajpirzada]

Pakistan bait-ul-Mal facilitating each IDPs family with Rs. 5000/: Zammurad Khan
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Bait-ul-Mal Zammurad Khan has stated that the return of IDPs to their homes was a gigantic achievement of the Government, and Bait-ul-Mal was facilitating each IDPs family with Rs. 5000/.

While talking in a private TV channel program here on Tuesday, he stated that Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal has firstly initiated as a free-meal program for the IDPs from 9th May that continued for more than 2 months.

He also informed that Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal was distributing 5000/- for each affected family, as Faryal Talpur (sister of President Asif Ali Zardari) has given Rs. 50 Crore to be disbursed among the One-Lac IDPs families and the Government will not leave the affected people of Malakand Division alone and will continue their support to rehabilitate them.

Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal has also initiated a program for the disabled people from the IDPs and regarding this the building of special education complex in Hayat Abad was being utilized for more than 300/ disable people and Bait-ul-Mal will prepare all arrangements to rehabilitate them in their areas and will continue their support even returning to their homes.
ONLINE - International News Network

 

[ajpirzada]

Mobilink reaches out to 1,000 families of IDPs

KARACHI: Mobilink held a media briefing to mark the one-month milestone of Mobilink Camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) established at Kund Park near Jehangira Town, which is accommodating 1,000 families of IDPs. Set up with Rs 81 million fund, Mobilink Camp is the largest relief commitment for the IDPs from the private sector of Pakistan and aims to provide relief to 1,000 families for a total of three months. staff report

Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan

 

[ajpirzada]

2476 displaced families returned to Swat, Buner: ERU PDF Print E-mail

PESHAWAR, July 15 (APP): The repatriation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is picking up momentum with each passing day as 1476 families returned to Swat and Buner districts on Wednesday under government’s arrangements from 16 relief camps setup in four plain districts of the province.

According to latest update of Emergency Response Unit (ERU) here, as many as 1277 families including 214 in government transport and 1063 in private vehicles left for Swat.

Likewise, 1199 families left for Buner including 808 in government vehicles and 391 through private vehicles from relief camps amid tight security.

From Jalozai camp Nowshera, 154 displaced families Wednesday left for their hometowns in Buner and Swat under the government arrangements with honour and dignity.

The convoy of the displaced people comprising 13 buses and six trucks, carrying the rations and non-food items left for their hometowns from Jalozai camp.

The number of returning IDPs is increasing with each passing day and people were being motivated to opt for voluntary return to their native areas.

Meanwhile the Chief Secretary has convened a high level meeting to look into the problems and resolve the problems of IDPs.

Associated Press Of Pakistan ( Pakistan's Premier NEWS Agency ) - 2476 displaced families returned to Swat, Buner: ERU

 

[ajpirzada]

Some 155,348 cash cards distributed among IDPs
By Bakhtawar Mian
Thursday, 16 Jul, 2009 | 09:21 AM PST |

ISLAMABAD: The National Database and Registration Authority has so far distributed about 155,348 cash disbursement cards among the internally displaced persons, enabling them to draw about Rs2.407 billion.

Out of the total, about 145,407 cards have been activated and the remaining are in the process of activation.

The government has spared about Rs3.63 billion for IDPs, out of which Rs2.407 billion has been drawn, said Nadra’s Deputy Chairman Tariq Malik in a statement.

Had the Nadra not been consulted regarding the task of registering IDPs, he said, even non-eligible would have grabbed the IDPs’ share. According to his estimate, about Rs1.314 billion could have gone to wrong hands.

Malik said that Nadra had made the process of registration and verification transparent by preparing one single unified list which enabled the government to properly identify the affected people and make efficient arrangements for relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in collaboration with its partners.

Nadra has so far received data of 664,818 displaced families after their registration by various agencies and of them only 289,251 were found eligible based on the criteria jointly set by the provincial and federal governments and the Special Support Group.

After receiving the data, Nadra verifies it and sends authentic figures to the United Bank Limited for printing cash disbursement cards. The bank delivers the data to card distribution points.

At the distribution points, Nadra staff capture photograph and biometrics of IDPs for verification and hand over cards to verified IDPs.

Malik said that the registration exercise had been designed in a manner that un-distributed cards could be delivered to IDPs even after their return to their homes. They would be able to use the cards without any problem, he added.
DAWN.COM | Provinces | Some 155,348 cash cards distributed among IDPs

 

[ajpirzada]

3rd phase of IDPs’ repatriation kicks off today
Updated at: 0256 PST, Friday, July 17, 2009
3rd phase of IDPs’ repatriation kicks off today MARDAN: The third phase of IDPs’ repatriation to their native towns is commencing from today (Friday) while as many as 9,000 families have been returned to their homes on the end of the their second phase of repatriation.

According to emergency response unit, total 5002 families reached Swat and Buner from Mardan and Swabi on the last day of second phase while 460 families among them were dispatched officially.

Most of the other family members of IDPs returned Swat and Buner through their personal sources, unit said.

Sources said Geo news, those IDPs who failed to receive ITM cards will be given in their respective areas.
3rd phase of IDPs’ repatriation kicks off today - GEO.tv

 

[Awesome]

I dedicate this song to "My People"

beNUl9EdSXY[/media] - MERAY LOG:NOORI-ORIGINAL VIDEO by ME!! (English Translation)

I was gonna post that

 

[LiberalPakistani]

I hope there homes aren't destroyed as they head back home Inshallah they will live happily from now on here they have scarificed for Pakistan.

 

[ajpirzada]

Returning IDPs overwhelmed by hospitality of people
Saturday, July 18, 2009
PESHAWAR: Thirty-year-old Ashfaq Ahmed, a Masters degree-holder, who lost his lecturer job when the militants ruined the peace of the scenic Swat Valley and had to migrate in search of a safer place, was overwhelmed by the hospitality of the people of the NWFP for turning their grief into comfort during the last two months despite an extremely harsh weather.

“I have no words for the people of Mardan, Charsadda, Nowshera, Swabi and Peshawar to thank them for their generosity and kindness, who opened their hearts to hundreds of thousands of displaced people of the Malakand Division, which refreshes the rich memory of Ansar-e-Madina,” said the young postgraduate from Gogdara village in Swat while packing his luggage at the residence of a relative in Peshawar before embarking on the return journey.

“It would have been very difficult for the government and other welfare agencies had the people of Charsadda, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar and Swabi districts not extended cooperation. The local people of these districts have shared with us their rooms, guest houses, clothes, fans, blankets and meals for which they deserve full credit and appreciation,” Ashfaq told the APP.[\B]

When the operation against the militants was launched in Swat and other restive areas, he said, the people ran for their lives and left everything behind without knowing where they would stay. However, he said, when they knocked the doors of their relatives, they welcomed them with open hearts.

He said the Swatis now understood that the only solution to their problems was in peace and not in militancy. He said the time had come to demonstrate unity and cohesion among ranks and files against militancy and terrorism.

He said that Swatis should keep a vigil on their surroundings for at least one year of their repatriation and immediately inform security forces in case of seeing militants or other anti-state elements to prevent them from regrouping and counter their activities before it was too late.

Another IDP, Khurshid Ali, who was a mechanical engineer by profession, had a smile on his face while starting the return journey to his hometown Gogdara village in Swat from Peshawar. He told the APP he was overwhelmed by the government’s relief measures.

He said he spent over two months in exile and felt the pain of leaving sweet home and prayed to Allah Almighty that such situation should not arise again.“The Swatis would never forget the nightmare they have experienced during the last two years but peace in Swat and the repatriation process would heal their wounds,” said the 60-year-old before leaving for his hometown.

Another IDP, Muhammad Nadeem, who is by profession a medical representative, said he, along with family and relatives, was returning to Swat to resume business. He stressed the need for quick repair and reconstruction of damaged infrastructure in Swat, besides taking steps for the revival of tourism industry in the valley.

Returning IDPs overwhelmed by hospitality of people

 

[ajpirzada]

More IDPs return home

Saturday, July 18, 2009
ISPR says two soldiers killed in IED attack

By Delawar Jan & Essa Khankhel

PESHAWAR/MINGORA: On the fifth day of repatriation, an estimated 67,823 internally displaced persons (IDPs) of 9,689 families returned to Mingora and different towns and villages of Buner on Friday as four persons, including two soldiers and a militant, were killed in Swat Valley.

As thousands of IDPs were streaming into Mingora, two bodies, one of a militant, were found dumped in the city. It was a routine scene in this city before the operation. The Green Chowk was dubbed as Khooni Chowk after bodies of the Taliban opponents or government officials were used to be dumped here to terrify the people.

Locals here identified a body at Gulshan Chowk to be of militant Abdul Ghaffar of Charbagh area. It was unclear as to who had killed the militant. Another corpse was found in College Colony.

The Army-run Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that a vehicle of security forces moving from Shahid Khapa to Peuchar hit an improvised explosive device (IED) near Serai, which resulted in the death of two soldiers.

It said security forces conducted a search operation in Titlawala area near Charbagh and destroyed eight tunnels and 12 bunkers and apprehended 15 suspected terrorists. It also claimed to have cleared the Akhun Baba Ziarat near Aloch.

Two militants were reportedly killed by a local Lashkar in Shahdas near Lal Qila.Meanwhile, the IDPs continued to move into the Swat Valley and Buner. The Emergency Response Unit (ERU) said a total of 9,689 families went back to their homes on Friday. Among them 8,787 families returned to Mingora, the district headquarters of Swat.

In the phased return of the IDPs, the residents of Mingora were allowed on Friday to go back to their homes. Curfew was relaxed in the city and on the main road from 6:00 am to 11:00 am. However, bazaars could not reopen as normal life was yet to return to the city, which until recently presented the look of a ghost town. This correspondent saw only a dozen shops opened in Mingora during the curfew relaxation.

Officials in Landakay, the entrance to Swat Valley, said they had received more than 45,000 individuals in 3,700 vehicles.As many as 902 families also went back to Buner district in their private vehicles. People preferred to use their private vehicles to move back to their native areas with 7,695 families using their own conveyance on Friday.

However, the ERU asked all the returning people not to go beyond Shergarh after 4:00 pm as a large number of vehicles were creating traffic jams on the Mardan-Malakand Road, causing problems for the IDPs and officials.
More IDPs return home