(13 August 2015)
President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Thursday lauded Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif for his concern towards welfare of temporarily displaced people (TDPs) of Waziristan.
Over five hundred thousand people were displaced from Waziristan due to military action against militants who have taken temporary shelter in districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa adjoining tribal areas, he said.
In a statement issued here today, Mian Zahid Hussain said that the Army is taking best care of TDPs, of which 73 percent are women and children, in the available resources and the ratio of their return has witnessed two hundred percent growth which is a healthy sign.
The impression in delay in the repatriation of TDPs is unfounded as only those are allowed to leave whose homes are rebuilt and other facilities are provided which takes time and resources, he added.
Army is creating environment for TDPs similar to the one they were in before fleeing their homes and catering for facilities like health, education and clean drinking water.
The veteran business leader lauded COAS Raheel Sharif for simultaneously focusing on operation against militants and its most difficult part of clearing Shawal area of terrorists, as well as wellbeing of TDPs, victims of decade-long war.
Under the directions of Gen. Raheel, the Corps Commander Peshawar and other top officials have left for Waziristan to celebrate Independence Day with TDPs in Mirali.
Notables from North and South Waziristan and adjoining districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would also participate in the ceremony to be held on August 14th.
Nation was united against terrorism and wanted an end to violence for development and progress in Fata and other parts of the country.
