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Over 2.5 million displaced in Malakand: Iftikhar
[Geo News] The number of internally displaced persons IDPs has crossed 2.5 million figure, Mian Iftikhar, provincial minister for information, said on Wednesday. Briefing media here, he said the ongoing operation would continue till the areas are cleansed from miscreants. Iftikhar said the number of people fleeing from the affected areas has reached 25,28,370, which is the highest figure of IDPs in the world. He called on the world aid agencies to contribute generously for the rehabilitation of displaced families. He said some 90 registration centres have been set up for the displaced persons, where 15 to 20 registration counters were in full swing. Regarding Bajaur and Mohmand Agency, he said displaced people from these areas have started returning to home and so far, up to 3,264 families have returned. The number of Humanitarian hub for the affected persons has been increased from 13 to 18, he said, adding that arrangements have been made to set up eight more such points in Peshawar, Mardan and Swabi. The minister said around 30 to 35 percent people were still under siege in the affected areas, and efforts were underway to evacuate them safely. He said security forces have strengthened their position in Sultanwas area of Buner, while people were still stranded in the Chakdara area of Dir.Posted by: Fred 2009-05-21 |
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