ALMOST one million people have become Internally Displaced Persons in the aftermath of the operation in North Waziristan.

At this critical juncture, Pakistan is in dire need of unity. Unfortunately, some of our politicians are not mature enough to understand the gravity of the situation because time and again they are accusing the provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh of blocking the entry of IDPs to their provinces. Such statements can prove to be disastrous at this critical juncture.

Moreover, to prevent the infiltration of militants under the guise of IDPs is a tough task for law-enforcement agencies.

The need of the hour is that our politicians should avoid making such controversial statements. They should realise how counter-productive such irresponsible statements could prove to be. The only thing which needs to be done is to show solidarity with our displaced brothers by helping them in a dignified manner.

M. Akmal

Lahore

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2014