ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Saturday assured the National Assembly that the government would make all out efforts for relief and rehabilitation of South Waziristan’s internally displaced persons.

‘The government is reconstructing the Malakand and Swat areas and would reconstruct South Waziristan with the same spirit,’ the prime minister said in response to a point made by a member from Fata regarding ongoing relief activities for the IDPs.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said the IDPs’ issue is not an issue of the government alone or any political party but it is a national issue.

He said the government or the Pakistani nation did not see towards foreign donors for rehabilitation, but first of all, the government itself announced a Rs 50 billion package.

He appreciated the Malakand people for facilitating the IDPs and said the government paid Rs 25,000 to each family of Malakand and Swat areas that amounts to Rs 8.5 billion.

‘We did not look towards the Unites States, the United Kingdom, Japan or any other country, but ourselves allocated the money for them and started national level relief activities,’ he added.

The Prime Minister said the aid coming from abroad will also be adjusted to rehabilitate and reconstruct the affected areas.

Referring to recent requirements of the province, he said, a Rs 25 billion package was prepared to pay to NWFP in four instalments and the first instalment of Rs six billion has been paid.

‘Remaining amount will also be paid to the province as and when required,’ he added.

The Prime Minister said military action is not the only solution to problem. ‘There is also an exit policy and we are also making administrative and political decisions.’

‘Waziristan’s people are our brothers. We are well aware that Mehsuds and Wazirs are patriotic Pakistanis,’ he said.

Gilani said Rs 2.5 billion were transferred to the Fata Secretariat the day the operation was started.

‘IDPs families are being paid Rs 5000 each. There is no shortage of relief goods. The queues, the people and media see are due to security and discipline measures so militants do exploit the rush for sabotage activities.’

He said the government also stressed the rehabilitation of affected areas at the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) forum to improve the infrastructure.

‘We are reconstructing Malakand and Swat and will also reconstruct Fata’s affected areas,’ he said.

He invited the members to point out if there is room for improvement and their recommendation would be included in the working of the Special Support Group.

He also directed Chairperson BISP to further step up efforts for relief to the IDPs.

‘IDPs need awareness and moral support and I urge media and the political leadership to play their role.’

He hailed the sacrifices of the armed forces personnel for rendering valuable sacrifices to fight out extremists and said the whole nation stands united with them.